disney cruise shuttle cost

Should You Take Disney Cruise Line Transportation? What You Need to Know.

by Jenn Marrazzo | Nov 9, 2023 | Disney Cruise Line

Heading on a Disney Cruise soon? Here’s why you should consider taking Disney Cruise transportation to the port.

Guests headed onboard a Disney Cruise from Port Canaveral in Florida are probably facing some exciting decisions as they get ready to sail. From what excursions they should book to any onboard extras, there are so many ways to personalize your Disney Cruise Line vacation. 

One thing that most people don’t consider is transportation to the port. How are you getting from Orlando International Airport or Walt Disney World to Port Canaveral and back? Well, one option to consider is to utilize official Disney transportation services.  We’re going to break down whether you should take Disney Cruise Transportation on your next sailing and what the alternatives are. 

Distance to Port Canaveral from Orlando

Port Canaveral is located on the East Coast of Florida and is parallel with Orlando. With that said, it is a little bit of a hike from the port to the Greater Orlando Area, so keep that in mind when visiting. 

Photo by Bill Ryan

Orlando International to Port Canaveral 

Orlando International and Port Canaveral are about 47 miles apart. Therefore, you can expect a ride of about 45 minutes back and forth. That is assuming there is no traffic, so always add on some extra time to account for Orlando traffic. 

Walt Disney World to Port Canaveral 

The Walt Disney World Resort and Port Canaveral are about 59 miles apart. The ride between the two is approximately one hour back and forth. Again, the closer you get to Disney, you could face some extensive traffic, so always prepare ahead of time if you are leaving for your cruise. 

Transportation Options to Port Canaveral 

There are a few ways to travel from Port Canaveral to Orlando. We’ll break down these different ways for you. 

Whether you are headed to Port Canaveral from Orlando International or decided to stay at Disney World for a few days before, one option is taking an Uber or Lyft to the Port. As we previously mentioned, Port Canaveral is a hike from both the airport and the parks, so the cost will reflect that. You can expect an Uber or Lyft to cost you around $100 or more given the distance. 

Official Disney Cruise Line Transportation 

The other option that guests can consider when embarking on a Disney Cruise is official Disney Cruise Line Transportation. This transportation will have you picked up at either the airport or at your Disney Resort and brought to the terminal in Port Canaveral. The transportation cost is $39/per person. To discuss specific options for your cruise and travel itinerary, call Disney Cruise Line at (800) 951-3532. 

Benefits of Disney Cruise Line Transportation

Earlier boarding group/port arrival.

One of the best parts about using Disney Cruise Line Transportation is that you arrive at the port early and therefore, are given an earlier boarding group to get onto your ship. That means your vacation starts early! These boarding groups are usually highly coveted and people will start their check-in exactly on the date it opens. But if you use a Disney Transfer, they will take care of that for you so you aren’t waiting around. 

Photo by Danny Shuster

Easy to Book and Guaranteed Pick Up

Booking a Disney Transfer is quite easy. Once you make your final payment for your cruise, you are able to book on the Disney Cruise Line app or website. You’ll be prompted to add transportation at either the beginning of your cruise, the end of your cruise, or both. 

Luggage Transfer

You are on vacation so don’t stress about carrying your luggage around. By simply adding your Disney Cruise Line luggage tag onto your luggage prior to pickup, you won’t have to worry about luggage at all. If you are staying at a Disney World resort hotel or at the Hyatt at Orlando International, a representative from Disney Cruise Line will come early in the morning to pick up your bags. It’s as simple as that… you’ll find them onboard in your room. 

If you are flying on the day of your cruise, Disney Cruise Line will pick up your luggage from baggage claim and bring it to the Port so that once again, you’ll find your luggage onboard. We love this perk and think this is totally worth the process.  

Entertainment on Board

When being picked up by Disney Cruise Line Transportation, you’ll have access to Disney entertainment onboard your bus. If you remember Disney’s Magical Express Service , you’ll receive similar entertainment to that. From Disney cartoons to information about the port, it’s a great way to keep the magic flowing right into your Disney Cruise. 

Downsides of Disney Cruise Line Transportation

As we mentioned, the Disney Transfer costs $39/per person. If you are a family of 4, you are looking at a cost of over $150 to use the service. While that might not be intriguing for some, it’s something to think about before you click that book button. 

Multiple Stops 

If you are being picked up at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel, keep in mind that you will most likely be stopping at multiple resorts around WDW. Since there’s probably many guests who are being picked up, they will try to get as many people as possible onto the transfer. That means you’ll spend more time onboard the bus. 

You Have No Say in Pick-Up Time

If you are someone who doesn’t like the idea of being told when it’s time to leave, this service might not be for you. That’s because you have no say in the pick-up time for the bus. Disney will schedule this for you according to where you are being picked up and when they have the most demand. 

Should You Take It? 

While we broke down both the pros and cons of Disney Transportation, we highly recommend that you take the Disney Transportation. From not worrying about luggage to receiving an earlier boarding group, the pros outweigh the few cons we can find. 

FAQs of Disney Cruise Line Transportation

What’s the cost of disney cruise line transportation .

Disney Cruise Line Transportation costs $39 per person per way. 

Can you book Disney Cruise Line Transportation if you are flying into Orlando Airport the day of?

Absolutely! That’s one of the best parts! You’ll find a Disney Curise Line representative in the terminal ready to take you over to the port. But, remember, you must book this ahead of time. 

Will they pick you up at a Disney World Resort or at the Hyatt at Orlando Airport? 

Guests love the fact that Disney Cruise Line Transportation can whisk you from the parks to the ship. Sometimes people even stay at the Hyatt at Orlando Airport and you can also receive the service if you are staying there too. 

What happens if you get to the port before your port arrival time? 

By booking a Disney Cruise Line transfer, you’ll receive an earlier port time and boarding group to accommodate you if you arrive early. You won’t have to wait around outside if you get there earlier than expected. 

Is it easy to book? 

It sure is! Just visit the Disney Cruise Line app or use the Disney Cruise Line website after your final payment is submitted to purchase this add-on. 

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How Much Does a Disney Cruise Cost? 2024 Pricing Explained

The Disney Wish will sail its inaugural season of three- and four-night cruises to Nassau, Bahamas, and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, from its new home port of Port Canaveral, Florida.

Disney Cruise Line offers a variety of Disney-themed ships with all-inclusive cruises traveling all over the world. Disney Cruises often Broadway-caliber dinner shows, Disney lounge-themed experiences, character meet and greets, and other themed experiences. Disney Cruises also offer amazing amenities and luxurious upgrade options for guests looking to sail in style. So this also begs the question, what does a Disney Cruise cost? 

If you're new to the experience of cruises, it also helps to understand how cruises are typically priced and what cruise lines mean by all-inclusive voyages. Keep reading for our full breakdown of Disney Cruise costs including amenities, inclusive options, and optional upgrades. We have experienced a variety of Disney Cruises plus we have the experience of helping guests budget for their Disney vacations whether it's for Disneyland, Walt Disney World or a Disney Cruise Line experience. 

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In this planning guide:

Disney Cruise Cost Pricing Explained 

Let's start by covering the details of how Disney Cruise costs are calculated between room pricing and cost per person. 

Disney Cruise Room Pricing

All Disney Cruise costs are priced based on two adults in the stateroom (room on the ship). This means that one adult traveling with a child (ages 3-12) is the same price as two adults (13 and up) in the room. Children ages 0-2 pay 50% of the child rate.

After the two adult prices, the third and fourth passengers in the stateroom are charged a lower rate. If you are traveling alone, Disney Cruise Line will charge you 100% of the second adult’s cruise fare (not including port fees and taxes) in addition to the full fare for the first adult.

Pricing Per Adult

It is simply impossible to determine exactly how much a person will pay without looking at several different factors. We are going to break these factors on Disney Cruise cost down for you.

Then, we will help you gauge pricing on a budget to pricing with no limits, and everything in between, so that you have an accurate idea of what you can expect to pay for your Disney Cruise itself. We will also show you a full Disney Cruise Scenario with estimates on what you may need to include for a Disney Cruise. Finally, we detail some ways to save money if you are interested in sailing on a Disney Cruise.

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Which Disney Cruise Should I Do?

The first couple of factors to consider when deciding to book a Disney Cruise and cost are where you want to go and what ship you want to sail on.

Disney Cruise Ships

Disney currently has 6 signature cruise ships with more on the way.

The newest cruise ship available right now is the Disney Wish, but the Disney Treasure begins sailing in December of 2024, and it is almost time to start booking!

Each Disney ship is decked out from bow to stern in immersive Disney experiences. The experiences are going to differ depending on the ship, where it is sailing to, and if it is a themed expedition or not.

Ships Sailings

• Disney Magic : Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexico, Panama Canal
• Disney Wonder : Alaska, Mexico, Caribbean, South Pacific, New Zealand & Australia
• Disney Dream : Caribbean, Bahamas, Europe, Bermuda, Transatlantic Cruises
• Disney Fantasy : Caribbean and Bahamas
• Disney Wish : Bahamas
• Disney Treasure : Caribbean

Disney Cruise Cost Factors

There are a few factors that will impact the cost of a Disney Cruise like time of year, location of the cruise, plus the Disney Cruise ship chosen.

Time of the year

Disney prices their cruises based on peak seasons. The more in-demand the cruise sailings are, the higher the pricing.

The first peak season is the most expensive. Think about when children are out of school, June – August. There is an increase in demand for ships and sailings, so the pricing also goes up. Alaska, and the Caribbean, are usually priced high during this time. Europe and the Panama Canal are usually only offered during these peak seasons.

Holidays are another popular peak season. The Bahamas and the Caribbean are going to be more expensive during these times because families will want shorter cruises, which are offered to these two locations.

Off-season bookings will be cheaper, but keep in mind, that the weather may not be as cooperative depending upon the location you are sailing to.

When choosing locations for your cruise, a cruise to the more remote destination Alaska is going to cost more than sailing to the Bahamas from Florida.

Europe and the Panama Canal are usually only offered in the summer, which can drive up the price of the cruise.

When deciding on what you want out of your cruise, guests can choose from different night lengths.

Disney currently offers cruises in 1-3, 4, 5-6, 7 8-13, or 14+ lengths. The longer you cruise, the more expensive the cruise is going to be because more amenities are included and paid for in the cruise cost.

Specialty Cruises

Disney offers specialty cruises throughout the year. Each of these specialty cruises is going to include extra events, entertainment, dining specialties, and more that are factored into the higher costs.

Guests can book a Pixar Day at Sea, Marvel Day at Sea, Halloween High Seas, and Holiday-themed cruises.

Stateroom type

There are four different types of staterooms guests can book on the cruise ships. A stateroom is the cruise equivalent of your hotel room.

The most luxurious accommodations on the cruise and the most expensive. Each room has a large private verandah (balcony) and premium amenities and services included. Prices for this type of hotel room will be the most expensive out of all rooms on the ship costing upwards of $6,000 for a trip.

The most spacious non-concierge staterooms are in the Verandah category. Each room comes equipped with a private verandah (balcony), some with partial views of the ship and ocean. The space and balcony are worth the price increase if you are sailing on a longer cruise. This category is the second most expensive type of room to choose from and also tends to sell out the quickest. Pricing tends to start around the $3500 total mark for most cruise lengths and destinations. 

The oceanview room has more space than an inside room and also includes a porthole or two to be able to see the ocean. This is a great middle price on the cruise where you can still see the ocean passing by, but you don’t have the balcony to walk out on. This type of room falls in the middle pricing category. The cheapest cruises will come in around $2800 total but can go much higher depending on the length and destination.

The base accommodations feature no outside viewing as the rooms are on the inside of the ship. However, Disney provides a scenic porthole display of different images to make it not feel as claustrophobic. These will be the absolute cheapest rooms due to not having an actual window or balcony. If you want to go on a Disney cruise, but your family is on a strict budget, these rooms will be the cheapest, averaging around the $2,000 – $4,000 range. 

Transportation To Port

By far the biggest factor that will vary for each family going on a Disney cruise is the transportation to the Departing Port.

You will need to provide your own flight, take a train, or drive to the port that you are leaving from. This cost is going to vary widely depending on where you live versus where you need to leave from.

We also recommend arriving the day before the cruise is set to depart so there are no delays in boarding the ship at your arrival time. This is going to cost a night at a nearby hotel, which adds to the overall budget for your cruise.

Disney has ports in the following locations:

• Fort Lauderdale, Florida
• Port Canaveral, Florida
• Vancouver, Canada
• Auckland, New Zealand
• Barcelona, Spain
• Honolulu, Hawai’i
• San Juan, Puerto Rico
• Melbourne Australia
• Southampton, England
• Brisbane, Australia
• New Orleans, Louisiana
• Sydney, Australia
• Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy
• New York, New York
• San Diego, California
• Galveston, Texas

Certain cruises only depart from specific locations. You can filter this when you are searching to book your cruise.

When planning your destinations for your cruise, it is helpful to know where you are going to sail from. The majority of the Bahamas and Caribbean cruises are going to leave from the two ports in Florida, but they also depart from Texas. The Alaskan cruises sail from Vancouver, Canada.

The cheapest way to book transportation is to filter the cruises by which port is closest to you and see which destinations are available. Or, you can filter by destination and then see which ports are the closest to you to help keep costs down.

Keep in mind that if you drive to the port, this will be an additional cost to park your car at the port as well. The fee will be nightly similar to an airport.

What is Included in the Disney Cruise Cost Base Price?

A big question is what do I get for the price tag I see on the Disney Cruise Line website?

When booking your Disney Cruise, you are not just paying for a hotel room like many other vacations. You are paying for an all-inclusive Disney Experience . For every Disney Cruise booked, you can expect the following accommodations, activities, and amenities.

Room type chosen

Guests can choose from 4 different stateroom types:

• Concierge – Most expensive and most luxurious
• Verandah – Popular and mid-level pricing
• Ocean View – Mid-level pricing
• Inside – Cheapest book and smallest rooms

Three rotational table-service dining restaurants Buffet (for breakfast and lunch) Quick service bites

24-hour room service Unlimited soft serve ice cream Unlimited coffee, tea, and soda available on deck and at table service restaurants

On Ship Activities

Broadway-quality shows (original Disney products or live acts) Fireworks at Sea (available on most itineraries) Character meet and greets Movie screenings (first-run and popular Disney movies) Pools, waterslides, splash zones, and wading pools Gym and fitness center

Kids’ clubs

Disney’s Oceaneer Club (3 to 12 years old) Disneys’ Oceaneer Lab (2 to 12 years old) Edge (11 to 14 years old) Vibe (14 to 17 years old)

What is Not Included in a Disney Cruise?

While Disney Cruises is great at including a lot of amenities in the total trip cost, there are a few extras that you may want while sailing on your ship.

• Port Excursions
• Premium desserts
• Premium coffee (at the Cove cafe)
• Meals at the adult-only Palo and Remy
• Gratuities – can be prepaid
• Wireless Internet Access
• Baby Nursery (6 months -3 years)

All of these items should be considered when pricing out your Disney Cruise so that you do not have any unexpected costs.

Menus for restaurants are available on the Disney Cruise Line Website, so you can see if you want to eat somewhere not included in the base price.

Port Excursions are also booked ahead of time, so you can prepay these items and include them in the final cost of your cruise.

Gratuities Explained

On a cruise ship, it is customary to give gratuities in recognition of exceptional service. Disney recommends a gratuity amount of $14.50 USD per night, per stateroom Guest, including infants and children or $15.50 USD per night, per stateroom Guest for concierge and suites.

Pre-Paid Gratuities are distributed to the Crew Members who take care of you in the following roles:

• Dining room server
• Dining room assistant server
• Dining room head server
• Stateroom host

Easily pre-pay gratuities online to create a carefree, all-inclusive experience by visiting My Reservations in your Disney account and following the prompts for Pre-Paid Gratuities. If you do not pre-pay before boarding the ship, Disney automatically charges your onboard account the suggested gratuity amount. Once on the ship, you can adjust the amount of your Pre-Paid Gratuities by visiting Guest Services prior to the end of your cruise.

Pre-Paid Gratuities do not include the following gratuities, which are either included in the charge or based on your discretion:

• Extras added to rotational dining meals such as alcoholic beverages
• Adult dining locations such as Remy, Palo, Palo Steakhouse and Enchanté by Chef Arnaud Lallement, which are not part of rotational dining
• Food or drink in shops and outdoor or poolside eateries
• Room service
• Port Adventures
• Senses Spa & Salon
• Concierge Lounge Team—Guests staying in Concierge accommodations are recommended a gratuity amount of $8.00 per night, per stateroom Guest
• Any other additional services
• An 18% gratuity is automatically added to bar, beverage, wine, deck service tabs and spa services. All gratuities can be charged to your onboard account.

Disney’s Private Islands

When sailing on a Disney Cruise, one of the locations you will visit on your travels during a Bahamian cruise is one of Disney’s Private Island’s Castaway Cay and coming soon Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.

Castaway Cay is the perfect beach getaway. Amenities on the island include

• A family beach
• Serenity Bay (18+ beach)
• Teen Hideout
• Game Pavilion
• Sports Beach
• Snorkeling Lagoons teeming with sea life
• Water play areas
• Walking trails
• Open-air BBQ dining locations serving complimentary meals
• Free transportation around the island
• Character appearances
• Boat rentals

Disney’s new island, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point will have similar amenities to Castaway Cay! We can’t wait to see what the island holds.

Breakdown of Pricing

This section of our article is going to take a look at the specific pricing of specific cruises to help estimate Disney Cruise cost. The three most popular Disney Destinations are the Bahamas, the Caribbean, and Alaska, so that is what pricing we are going to focus on.

Disney Cruise On a Budget

If you really want to go on a Disney Cruise and stick to a budget, the 3-night and 4-night cruises are going to be the best option. Depending on how far from your destination you are traveling, the amount of time on the ship versus in a port will vary. The Bahamas destinations are going to offer more time in ports where Caribbean cruises will be more time on the boat.

The cheapest room option on a cruise is always the interior room. However, these rooms don’t have actual windows and can make a very tight space for a family of four, which we are basing all of our pricing on. If possible, spring for at least an Oceanview room where you are guaranteed at least one actual window.

Another way to stay on budget is to adjust the dates. In the tables below, you will see different dates and different ships will provide cheaper options. Cruises during February, August, and September tend to be cheaper, similarly to a Walt Disney World Vacation, whereas cruises during holiday seasons (Spring Break, Christmas, New Years, Halloween, etc.) are going to be more expensive.

3- Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale

• 4 Guests – 2 adults, 2 children
• Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point & Nassau, Bahamas

4 – Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale

• Disney Castaway Cay & Nassau, Bahamas

4-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston

• Sailing to Progreso, Mexico

4- Night Western Caribbean Cruise from New Orleans

• Sailing to Cozumel, Mexico

5- Night Western Caribbean Cruise from New Orleans

• Sailing to Cozumel, Mexico & Progreso, Mexico

The cheapest Alaskan cruise is about the price of the Concierge Level for other Disney Cruises.

7 – Night Alaskan Cruise from Vancouver

• Sailing to Glacier Viewing (Stikine Icecap), Alaska; Skagway, Alaska; Juneau, Alaska; Ketchikan, Alaska

Mid-Range Disney Cruise Pricing

A 5 – 6 day cruise is a great mid-price range budget. Typically with these cruises you will have enough time to explore the ship while also getting at least two, if not three days in a port of call to explore your destination.

For the longer 5-6 day cruises, we recommend the oceanview or verandah rooms. To keep the budget down and get to experience more for your money, avoid booking the concierge rooms at these middle price points.

Another great way to spend your money is to book one of the themed cruises. Guests can book the Marvel Day at Sea, a Halloween Cruise, or a Merry Christmas Cruise. The prices are going to be higher for these themed cruises even if they are only 5-6 days long, but you get a lot more special activities.

5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston

5- Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Fort Lauderdale

• 4 guests – 2 adults, 2 children
• Sails to George Town, Grand Cayman & Disney Castaway Cay

No Restrictive Budget Pricing

The longer cruise you book, the more ports you can stop at and the greater chance you have to stretch your days at sea to fully explore all that the ship has to offer.

The longer the cruise, guests can also experience more themed Disney nights and formal nights as well. This can make the cruise an extra special vacation due to all of the extra magic you are receiving.

Our recommendation for rooms on a cruise any longer than 5 days is to book at least a verandah room if not the concierge rooms. This is going to provide the most space for the times when you need to escape from the hustle and bustle of the ship.

In addition to the longer cruise, specialty cruises can also be booked during peak times if you don’t have an incredibly restrictive budget.

7 Night Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Inaugural Cruise from Port Canaveral

• 4 Guests, 2 adults, 2 children
• Sailing to Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point; Nassau, Bahamas; Disney Castaway Cay; Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, 2 Days at Sea

7 – Night Western Caribbean Cruise from New Orleans

• Sails to Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman & Falmouth, Jamaica

7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral (Pixar Day at Sea)

• Sailing to Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman; Falmouth, Jamaica; & Disney Castaway Cay

7 Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral

• Sailing to Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; & Disney Castaway Cay

10 Night Southern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral

• 4 Guests, 2 adults & 2 Children
• Sailing to St. John's, Antigua; Castries, St. Lucia; Roseau, Dominica; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point; & Disney Castaway Cay

9- Night Alaskan Cruise from Vancouver

• 4 guests, 2 adults & 2 children
• Sailing to Ketchikan, Alaska; Glacier Viewing (Stikine Icecap), Alaska; Juneau, Alaska; Icy Strait Point, Alaska; Sitka, Alaska; Victoria (British Columbia), Canada

Sample Disney Cruise Pricing

With so many options, numbers, and things included, it can be difficult to tell what a cruise actually costs.

This section is going to show a sample scenario to give you a better idea of what a cruise would actually cost your family.

Cruise Picked: 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale

Destinations: Disney Castaway Cay & Nassau, Bahamas

Dates: May 13-17, 2024

Ship: Disney Magic

Guests: 2 Adults, 2 Children (ages 6 & 3)

Stateroom Type: Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom

Deck: Forward, Deck 5 Room: 5018

Total Stateroom Price: 4,011.72

Ship Highlights

Entertainment.

• Live Shows: Tangled: The Musical, Disney Dreams – An Enchanted Classic, Twice Charmed: An Original Twist on the Cinderella Story
• Fireworks at Sea
• First Run Movies
• Character Greetings
• Daily Activities – karaoke, game shows, bingo

Main Dining

• Animator’s Palate – Unique Dinner show starring Disney characters
• Lumiere’s – American and French Cuisine
• Rapunzel’s Royal Table

• Duck-In Diner
• Pinocchio’s Pizza
• 24 hour room service
• Palo (Adult Only Restaurant) – extra cost

Recreation Kids

• Marvel Super Hero Academy – Disney Oceaneer Club
• Edge – club for tweens
• Vobe – club for teens
• Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique – extra cost
• Pools: AquaLab, Goofy’s Pool, Nephew’s Splashzone, AquaDunk

Recreation Adults

• Keys- nightclub with live music
• Fathoms – late night dancing
• Quiet Cove Pool
• Full-service Gym
• Senses Spa and Salon – extra cost

Extra Costs on Ship & Ports

• Alcohol Gratuities: $14.50/ per night/ per person
• WiFi: $16-$42/ day
• Castaway Cay Rentals : Snorkel Gear, Floats, Rafts, Bicycles, Kayak, Paddle Boat

Extra Costs Outside of Cruise

• Hotel Room in Fort Lauderdale: $180-$230
• Parking at Port : $20/ per day

For the oceanview cruise stateroom, gratuities, hotel, parking, and WiFi, you would pay $4,621.72.

Disney Cruise Line Discounts

Disney cruises can be expensive, but there are ways to save money.

The best way to save money is to book as soon as you know when you want to sail.

Cruises price rooms by tiers – the earlier you book, the lower the cost.

Special Pricing

Sometimes Disney will offer special pricing for Florida residents, military personnel, travel agents, and cast members.

They may also offer Kids Sail Free to families with children.

Travel Agencies can also offer promotions if you book through them in the form of Shipboard Credit. While on the ship, you can use this credit for spa treatments, merchandise, photos, and more. Be aware these credits expire at the end of your cruise.

Final Thoughts

A Disney Cruise is an exceptionally personal vacation that allows your family to customize the trip that fits what you want and need. With each ship featuring new shows, themed restaurants, amazing kid areas, and specialty adult-only sections, there is a multitude of opportunities that a Disney Cruise ship offers for a vacation – not to mention the amazing destinations. 

Unfortunately, because Disney provides so many different ships and opportunities, it is difficult to narrow down the exact price that a cruise will cost your family. One thing for sure is that you can't put a price on the magical memories that will be made on your Disney Cruise vacation. 

Plan Your Next Disney Vacation!

Are you ready to plan your Disney Parks or Disney Cruise Vacation? Make sure you are subscribed to our FREE newsletter for up-to-date planning information, exclusive offers and deals, and news about your upcoming trip! For now, also make sure to check out our other related articles!

• Disney Cruises 2025 DATES & Guide – Start Planning Your Sailing Now!
• 2023 Disney Cruise Packing List: Essentials to Pack & What Not to Bring
• Disney Cruise Line Christmas Entertainment and 2024 Itineraries
• Your First Disney Cruise: Top Ten Tips to Enjoy a High Sea Adventure with Disney Magic
• Disney Cruise Line Shares New Announcements Regarding Future Growth

The cost of a Disney Cruise varies depending on the time of year, the Disney Cruise ship, and location.

Yes, only alcohol and some adult only dining experiences are not included.

Yes, all your meals are included in the cost of your cruise!

Kids are charged a cheaper child rate on Disney cruises.

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About Jessica Miller

Jessica is a full-time high school teacher and a part-time writer. She is also a full-time mom! When she isn't working, she loves to take vacations with her family to Disney.

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Disney Cruise Line – Pre/Post Cruise Hotels and Ground Transportation

LAST UPDATE: 2/22/24

On this page we’ve collected some useful hints about Disney Cruise hotels and where to stay before or after your cruise, ground transportation (limo or rental car) and other pre/post cruise information.

• Where to Stay the Night Before Your Cruise

What to Do If Your Return Flight Leaves Late in the Day

Transportation and parking at the cruise ports, disney cruise hotels: where to stay the night before your cruise, port canaveral hotel options, fort lauderdale hotel options, galveston hotel options, miami hotel options, san diego hotel options, vancouver hotel options.

For those who want to spend the night at Cape Canaveral before their Disney Cruise, there are four hotels very close (5 miles or less) to the port:  Homewood Suites by Hilton Cape Canaveral ,  Residence Inn Cape Canaveral Cocoa Beach , Country Inn & Suites Cape Canaveral  and the  Radisson Resort at the Port .

These hotels are also good places to stay if you also want to visit the Kennedy Space Center .

If you will be arriving at the Orlando airport the day before your cruise (and we highly recommend this, so you don’t have to worry about missing your sailing), you might want to consider spending the night before your cruise at Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport . It is located inside the Orlando International Airport (MCO), so this can be a nice option if you are arriving later in the day. 

Homewood Suites by Hilton Cape Canaveral

Homewood Suites by Hilton Cape Canaveral is an all-suite hotel about 2 miles from the Disney cruise terminal.  It’s the newest hotel in the group nearest the port, and has a pleasant modern feel with a few Florida-inspired touches here and there. Your stay includes a FREE hot breakfast buffet every morning. On Monday – Thursday evenings from 5:00-7:00 pm, the hotel offers a FREE evening social with snacks, beer and wine. Rooms feature FREE high-speed internet access .

There are two room types: studios (bedroom with one king or two queen beds, living room area with full-size sofabed but not separated by a wall) and  1-bedroom suites (one bedroom with one king or two queen beds, separate living room with full-size sofabed). All sleep at least 4, but the two-queen 1-bedroom suites can sleep 6.

All room types include a full kitchen with two-burner cooktop (no oven), microwave, dishwasher and full-size refrigerator. Bathrooms have granite countertops.

This hotel does not have a restaurant (just a breakfast room where the complimentary breakfast and evening social is served), but there are several restaurants within a mile of the hotel.

The Homewood Suites offers “Park and Go” cruise packages that allow you to park your car in their lot during your cruise. The packages include two vouchers for the shuttle to Port Canaveral. If you are not on such a package, the hotel offers a shuttle to Port Canaveral for $5 per person each way. If you don’t want to use the shuttle, you can take a taxi to the port from this hotel for around $10. 

Residence Inn Cape Canaveral Cocoa Beach

Residence Inn Cape Canaveral Cocoa Beach is an all-suite hotel with a nice Florida-style ambiance and a heated pool and whirlpool. Your stay includes a FREE hot breakfast buffet . Rooms feature FREE high-speed Internet access .

There are three room types: studios (bedroom with king bed, living room area with sofa bed but not separated by a wall), 1-bedroom suites (one bedroom with two queen beds, one bath, separate living room with sofa bed) and 2-bedroom suites (two bedrooms, each with a king bed, two baths, separate living room with sofa bed).

All room types include a full kitchen with stove/oven, microwave, dishwasher and refrigerator. Beds at the Residence Inn are equipped with high-quality mattresses and bedding. Bathrooms have granite countertops.

This hotel does not have a restaurant (just a breakfast room where the complimentary breakfast is served), but there are several restaurants within a mile of the hotel.

The Residence Inn offers “Park and Cruise” packages that allow you to park your car in their lot during your cruise. The packages include a certain number of vouchers for the shuttle to Port Canaveral. If you are not on such a package, you can pay separately for parking ($6/day) and the hotel offers a shuttle to Port Canaveral for $6 per person round trip. If you don’t want to use the shuttle, you can take a taxi to the port from this hotel for around $10. Thanks to Jamie D for additional info.

Country Inn & Suites Cape Canaveral

Country Inn & Suites Cape Canaveral is located virtually next door to the Residence Inn, so they are about the same distance from the port. Your stay includes a FREE hot breakfast buffet every morning. The hotel has a fitness center, FREE high-speed Internet access , outdoor heated pool, a waterfall hot tub, and a gas grill and fire pit. Shuttle service is offered to the port (for a fee).

There are five room types: standard rooms with one King bed or two Queen beds; family  suites with one Queen bed and a separate kid’s room area with two twin beds; one-bedroom suites with one King or two Queen beds and a separate living room area with a queen sleeper sofa; whirlpool suites featuring one King bed with a whirlpool tub; and Captain’s Quarter suites with King bed, queen sleeper sofa, separate living and dining areas and a larger kitchenette with a toaster oven. All room types include a microwave, small refrigerator (except Captain’s Quarter suites, which have full-size refrigerators) and coffee maker.

The Country Inn & Suites does not have a restaurant (just a breakfast room where the complimentary breakfast is served), but there are several restaurants within a mile of the hotel.

This hotel offers Park & Cruise packages that allow you to leave your car at the hotel while you are on your cruise and take a shuttle to and from the port. If you don’t book a Park & Cruise package, you can still take the shuttle for a fee (currently $5/person). If you don’t want to use the shuttle, you can take a taxi to the port from this hotel for around $10. 

Radisson Resort at the Port

Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral is also close to the port. It gets mixed reviews. It’s an older property than the Residence Inn or Country Inn & Suites. Most rooms include Sleep Number beds and FREE high-speed Internet access .

There are three room types: standard rooms with one King bed or two double beds; King Jacuzzi suites , which include one room with a King bed, a whirlpool Jacuzzi, a separate full bathroom and one room with a comfortable living room area and a pull-out sofa sleeper; and Two King Jacuzzi suites , which are the same as the regular Jacuzzi suites except that they have two King beds in the bedroom. Suites include a microwave and mini refrigerator; regular rooms do not.

The Radisson has an elaborate waterfall pool, a koi pond and beautifully landscaped grounds. There are tennis courts and a fitness room. There is a buffet-style restaurant (extra charge) that has a nice atmosphere, with lots of windows, white-washed walls and high ceilings. The hotel lobby/restaurant entrance has a small lounge for evening drinks.

The Radisson offers some packages that including parking for your car at the hotel while you are on your cruise and a shuttle to and from the port. Alternatively, the hotel will charge you a fee to park your car in its lot while you are on your cruise, and provides a shuttle to the port for $5 per person, or you can take a cab for $10-12.

Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport

The Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport  is an upscale hotel that is actually located in the Orlando International (MCO) airport terminal , so you don’t have to worry about traveling any further. Just collect your bags, take them up on the elevator, check in and you’re ready to start enjoying your vacation! Or, if you prefer, take advantage of their luggage retrieval service; for a small flat fee ($10, last we checked, plus tips for the bell staff at your discretion), Hyatt staff will retrieve your luggage from baggage claim and deliver it to your room. (The rooms are well insulated from the airport noise, by the way — we have stayed there several times and did not hear the planes.)

If you stay at the airport Hyatt instead of going all the way out to Walt Disney World, you are much closer to Port Canaveral. That means you can sleep in a little longer before heading off to the ship in the morning. You can choose from multiple dining options within the airport, or take a swim at the hotel. It’s great way to start relaxing right away.

The Hyatt has a relationship with Disney, so you can arrange Disney bus transportation to the ship from the hotel (or you can book a private car transfer or rental car if you prefer). If you arrange your transportation through Disney, your luggage is transported directly to your stateroom on the ship. Talk about convenient!

The Fort Lauderdale hotel below can be added to your Disney Cruise Line reservation. If you have booked through a travel agent , contact your agent to add a pre-cruise and/or post-cruise stay. If you have booked directly with Disney Cruise Line, call them.

Pre/post-cruise stays can be added up until 31 days prior to check-in date (after that time, you can be waitlisted). If you stay both before and after the cruise, both portions must be booked at the same hotel. Pre/post-cruise stays that are added to a cruise reservation must be purchased for ALL guests in the same stateroom.

Alternatively, you can book directly with this hotel  through the links below, which may be less expensive and offer more flexibility:

• Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina is about 5 miles from the Fort Lauderdale Airport and about a 1/2 mile from the cruise terminal. They offer a shuttle to the beach. There is also a Water Taxi stop just a short walk away, which will take you to shops, restaurants and the beach, or just use it to take a tour of Fort Lauderdale’s waterways.
• Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa is about 5 miles from the Fort Lauderdale Airport and about 5 miles from the cruise terminal. The high-end hotel is on a private beach and has multiple restaurants at the hotel, a full-service spa, an activity center for kids age 5-12 and more. 

We would strongly recommend staying in Galveston rather than Houston pre-cruise unless you book Disney’s Houston hotel (the Marriott listed below) and Disney’s hotel-cruise transportation. It’s an hour or more drive to the cruise terminal from Houston, and traffic can double that, especially on holiday weekends. It’s best to fly in the day before the cruise, take a cab or shuttle to Galveston, and stay overnight at a hotel there. You don’t want to be sitting in traffic at 2 pm on the day of your cruise wondering if you’ll make it on time.

The Galveston hotels below can be added to your Disney Cruise Line reservation. If you have booked through a travel agent , contact your agent to add a pre-cruise and/or post-cruise stay. If you have booked directly with Disney Cruise Line, call them.

Alternatively, you can book directly with these hotels  through the links below, which may be less expensive:

• The Houston Airport Marriott at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport is right in the Houston airport complex, and is connected by tram to the terminal. If you arrange your own transportation, be aware that G. W. Bush International is a good 75-90 minute drive from the Galveston cruise terminal.
• San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center is a lovely resort right on the beach in central Galveston. It’s about a 10-15 minute drive to the cruise terminal.
• Hilton Galveston Island Resort is a beautiful hotel with extensive amenities, located a very short walk away from the beach. It’s about a 12-16 minute drive to the cruise terminal.

The best deal going in Miami seems to be Comfort Suites Miami Airport North . While it’s not fancy, this well-reviewed hotel offers reasonable rates along with some great benefits:

• FREE transfers between Miami airport and the hotel and FREE transfers between the hotel and the Port of Miami! As far as we know, this is the only hotel in Miami offering both transfers for free, which can save you a substantial amount in taxi or shuttle fares.
• FREE hot breakfast.
• FREE Wi-Fi.

Comfort Suites Miami Airport North  is a non-smoking hotel and rooms include high-definition flat-screen television with cable, microwave, refrigerator, pillow-top mattress, safe, coffee maker, hair dryer, iron and ironing board.

Official Disney Cruise Hotels

If you prefer something more upscale, the Miami-area hotels below can be added to your Disney Cruise Line reservation. If you have booked through a  travel agent , contact your agent to add a pre-cruise and/or post-cruise stay. If you have booked directly with Disney Cruise Line, call them.

Alternatively, you can  book directly with these hotels  through the links below, which may be less expensive and offer more flexibility:

• EB Hotel Miami is a 4-diamond boutique hotel near the airport. It’s literally across the street from the airport property, but is about 2.5 miles by road from the entrance (7 minutes or so). It’s about 8.5 miles from the cruise terminal (about 15 minutes).
• Hyatt Centric Brickell Miami is a tower hotel located in the heart of downtown Miami, roughly 2 miles from the cruise terminals. Downtown Miami has a wealth of shopping, restaurants and things to do and see, and the hotel has great views of Biscayne Bay from the rooftop pool deck and many rooms.

The San Diego hotels below can be added to your Disney Cruise Line reservation. If you have booked through a travel agent , contact your agent to add a pre-cruise and/or post-cruise stay. If you have booked directly with Disney Cruise Line, call them.

Alternatively, you can book directly with these hotels  through the link below, which may be less expensive:

• The Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego is on San Diego Bay between the San Diego Convention Center and the Seaport Village. It is approximately 3 miles from San Diego International Airport and just a few blocks from the San Diego Cruise Terminal.
• The Intercontinental San Diego is a modern 4-diamond tower hotel just across the street from the cruise terminal, with sweeping views of San Diego Bay. It’s about 3 miles from San Diego International Airport.

The Vancouver hotels below can be added to your Disney Cruise Line reservation. If you have booked through a travel agent , contact your agent to add a pre-cruise and/or post-cruise stay. If you have booked directly with Disney Cruise Line, call them.

Alternatively, you can book directly with these hotels through the links below, which may be less expensive:

• Fairmont Waterfront boasts a spectacular location across from the Convention Centre and Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal, within walking distance of the city’s many restaurants, shops and galleries. All rooms are elegantly appointed with contemporary, airy deco and feature floor to ceiling windows to highlight the beautiful scenery. If you decide to stay here, be sure to sign up for the Accor Live Limitless loyalty program (free) in advance, which will give you FREE internet during your stay.
• Fairmont Vancouver Airport is the only luxury hotel and spa within Vancouver’s International Airport, located in the suburb of Richmond (20 minutes south of Vancouver). The beautifully appointed guest rooms are spacious with floor-to-ceiling windows offering soundproof views, revealing the serenity of mountain views and plane spotting opportunities. If you decide to stay here, be sure to sign up for the Accor Live Limitless loyalty program (free) in advance, which will give you FREE internet during your stay.
• Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown is an upscale tower hotel in the heart of Downtown Vancouver. High floor rooms have a great view of the harbor and/or downtown. It’s about a half-mile from the cruise terminal, which would be an easy 5 minute cab or Lyft ride.

A hotel that isn’t part of the Disney cruise add-on program, but is well worth considering, is the Pan-Pacific Vancouver , since it is literally in the same building as the Cruise Ship Terminal, and they offer free transfer of your checked bags to the ship, which is a huge convenience. You should tip the bell staff a dollar or two per bag (they’ll take US dollars happily if you don’t have Canadian).

You’ll be getting off the cruise ship early in the morning on the last day. If your flight doesn’t leave for hours, and you don’t know what to do with your day, here are some suggestions.

Orlando International Airport (MCO)

Los angeles international airport (lax).

• Get a “day room” at Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport . For a modest charge (typically less than an overnight rate) you can use a hotel room from 10:00 am until as late as 6:00 pm and watch TV, use the hotel pool, etc. When flight time rolls around, you’re already in the terminal! Call the hotel directly at (407) 825-1234 to book a day room. The Hyatt has a relationship with Disney, so you can arrange Disney transportation to the hotel from the ship, or you can book a private car transfer or rental car if you prefer.
• If you have loads of time, you can rent a car for the day and visit the nearby Kennedy Space Center to explore the NASA exhibits, or play in the sand at Cocoa Beach . Allow at least an hour to drive back to the airport.
• Los Angeles Airport Marriott – Day room rates vary by date. They are available from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm. Call the hotel directly at (310) 641-5700 and ask for the front desk to book a day room.
• Embassy Suites Los Angeles – International Airport South – Day rooms can be booked an “as-available” basis on the day of check-in (no advance bookings). Rooms can be used from morning through 6:00 pm. Call the hotel directly at (310) 640-3600 and press 0 for the front desk. (Do not select “reservations,” as that will send you to a call center that knows nothing about the day rooms.)
• If you have loads of time, you can rent a car for the day and either drive to Hollywood (check out Disney’s El Capitan Theatre  or play in the sand at one of the many beautiful local beaches ( Manhattan Beach and Venice Beach are two great, close-by options, each with its own unique vibe). Allow at least an hour to drive back to the airport.

Disney’s bus transfers to and from the port are convenient, but also pretty expensive, especially for a family:

• In Florida, Disney offers bus transfers between any of the Walt Disney World resort hotels and Port Canaveral, or between the Orlando (MCO) airport or the Hyatt MCO and Port Canaveral. You can also do a multi-part transfer (for example airport-resort-port-airport). The cost is $78 per person round trip or $39 per person one-way for Disney’s bus transfers.
• Only hotels that are offered as pre- or post-cruise options by Disney Cruise Line have transportation available from Disney Cruise Line. If you stay in a different hotel, you’ll need to arrange your own transportation.
• The cost depends on the prevailing transportation rates in that city and the distances between the airport, hotel and cruise port. Remember taxis and car services charge per car , whereas Disney charges per person .
• With a party of two, the total cost for a private car or taxi will usually be similar to the total cost of Disney’s transportation. Lyft will almost always be cheaper, if it is offered in the city in question. A party of three or more people will almost always save money using independent transportation.
• The primary appeal of using Disney’s transportation is that it’s easy; you follow the signs to the bus and it takes you where you need to be. That said, it’s not faster, it usually involves more waiting, not less, and it’s not flexible. If you want to get where you are going as fast as possible, either a taxi, car service (Lyft) or pre-booked private car is always going to beat the buses.

Disney’s transfers must be booked a minimum of 3 days before the start of the trip through your travel agent (or Disney if you booked direct). At the airports, a Disney rep will be at the baggage claim area to help direct guests to the bus. Your luggage will go directly to your stateroom; you just need take your day bag with you to the cruise terminal.

One down side of using the Disney bus system is that you will arrive at the port with a big group of people and at a time dictated by Disney. The result is often a long wait in the check-in lines. You may also miss lunch on the ship, since the buses tend to arrive in the afternoon.

Below are alternate options that may be cheaper and/or more convenient.

• Port Canaveral – Shuttle by Happy Limo

Port Canaveral – Rental Car

Port canaveral – luxury sedan, limo or private van/suv service, port canaveral – cruise port parking.

• Port of San Diego – Rental Car
• Port of San Diego – Luxury Sedan, Limo or Private Van/SUV Service

Port of San Diego – Shuttle

• Port of San Diego – Parking
• Port of Vancouver – Transportation

Port of Vancouver – Parking

Port canaveral – shuttle by happy limo.

Happy Limo , a private car and limo service we have recommended for years, offers a great shared-shuttle option for trips between Orlando International Airport and the Disney Cruise Line terminal at Port Canaveral. The base price per person is $30/person each way ($60 round trip), plus a $20 port fee (each way, per booking, not per person). The minimum booking is 4 people. Tips are at customer’s discretion (conventional tips these days for shuttle drivers seem to be about 15%-20%, or about $4.50-$6/person each way). For shared service for a family of 4+ to Port Canaveral, this is a better deal than Disney, and gives you more control over when you want to travel.

Airport to Port Canaveral

Shuttles leave Orlando International from Terminal B, level 1 (ground transportation), shuttle spaces B-5 through B-9. You must reserve a spot in advance for one of the available times: 9:00 am, 10:00 am or 11:00 am. Your party must have a minimum of 4 passengers to book a shuttle. When you arrive at the shuttle spaces, you will need to check in via phone at (407) 856-1280 . Expect arrival at the cruise terminal roughly 45-60 minutes from the shuttle departure time, depending on traffic.

Port Canaveral to Airport

Shuttles leave Port Canaveral from shuttle space #4, right in front of the terminal. You must reserve a spot in advance for one of the available times: 8:00 am, 9:00 am or 10:00 am. When you arrive at the shuttle space, you will need to check in via phone at (407) 856-1280 . Expect arrival at the airport roughly 45-60 minutes from the shuttle departure time, depending on traffic.

• To reserve your shuttle time , you can book online here: Happy Limo Rates & Reservations , or call Happy Limo at (877) 642-7791 or (407) 856-1280 .
• MouseSavers readers get $10 off per booking each way! That’s $20 off a round-trip booking. Just mention MouseSavers when booking over the phone, or put “referred by MouseSavers” in the comments section when booking online.
• Note: To book a shuttle, your party must have a minimum of 4 passengers. If there are less than 4 passengers, a towncar, limo or van  must be booked.
• Note : when booking online, for one-way trips from the airport or round-trips, use one of the three pickup times listed above as your pickup time, select “Airport Pickup” as your trip type, “Orlando International Airport” as your pickup location, “Port Canaveral” as your dropoff location and select “Shuttle” as your vehicle type (it’s the last one in the vehicle list). For one-way trips from Port Canaveral, reverse the pickup and dropoff locations and pick one of the Port Canaveral pickup times listed above.

Your most economical option may be to rent a car one-way between the airport and Port Canaveral. None of the rental car companies listed below have a one-way or drop-off charge except as noted. Depending on the rental car company, you can either take a shuttle or a cab to the port.

Renting a car gives you the flexibility to stop and grab some groceries or last-minute items, and you can arrive at the ship earlier than the bus passengers, which allows you to board ahead of the crowd and get yourself settled, make Palo and spa reservations, etc.

• See our Rental Car Discounts page for many discount codes, coupons and tricks to help you save on your rental car!

All the  major rental car companies have offices near Port Canaveral. When searching for a location, use “Cape Canaveral, FL” as the location. Alamo, National, Enterprise and Budget are very close to the Port Canaveral cruise terminal (but not close enough to walk). The others aren’t too far away. Keep in mind that between about 11 am and 3 pm on days when a cruise is leaving, all of these locations will be busy, and check-in may be slow. The shuttles to the cruise terminal will fill up fast, so it might take several shuttles before you can get one. Taxis and Lyft will also be super busy, so it may take some time to get one to the rental location. Allow plenty of time to get back to the ship, or get there before 11 am.

• Budget is usually the best bet for transfers to and from the port. For one thing, Budget often has the best prices on one-day rentals. It also has on-site facilities at the Orlando International (MCO) and its office in Cape Canaveral (location code ZC5) is fairly close to the cruise terminal. Budget offers free shuttle service between its office and the port, though several people have reported that they find it easier and faster to take a taxi or Lyft to and from the terminal instead, which costs about $6-$8 each way.
• Avis has a location on-site at MCO and an office in Cape Canaveral (location code P3F), a bit further away than Budget. Avis has free shuttle service between its office and the cruise terminal, or you can take a cab for around $7-$10 each way.
• Alamo , National and Enterprise (all owned by the same company) share the Enterprise office in Cape Canaveral very near the port. They offer a free shuttle from their office to the port, or you can take a cab for $5-$6 each way.

If you want to gas up your rental car on the way back to the airport , exit Florida 528 at Narcoosee Road, which is two exits before the airport exit, and turn right. There is a BP station about a block up on the right, with normal gas prices. Note that this exit is tolled, so you’ll want to bring your own windshield toll pass to avoid exhorbitant rental car toll fees.

The nearest gas station to the airport (“Landing Strip” aka “Suncoast Energy” on Semoran Boulevard, just north of the airport) is a complete rip-off . This station habitually charges nearly TWICE the normal price for gas and does not have signs to let people know the prices before they pull in. You won’t realize you’re paying a ridiculous price unless you look closely at the pump!

A fun, relaxing (and surprisingly economical) way to get from Walt Disney World or the Orlando Airport to the cruise terminal at Port Canaveral is to use luxury sedan, limo or private van/SUV service.

The great thing is, you can schedule the vehicle to get you to the ship earlier than the bus passengers, which allows you to board ahead of the crowd and get yourself settled, make Palo and spa reservations, etc.

A luxury sedan is generally cheaper than Disney’s bus transfers if you are transporting a family. For larger groups, a private van, SUV or limo is definitely the way to go. You’ll save money and time.

• Learn more about towncar, limo or private van service to/from Port Canaveral and a discount code that will help you save money!

Parking at the port is $17 per day (not per night). You are charged for your arrival and departure days, even though they are partial days. The upshot is, this is what you’ll pay:

• 3-night cruise – $68 ($17 x 4 days)
• 4-night cruise – $85 ($17 x 5 days)
• 5-night cruise – $102 ($17 x 6 days)
• 7-night cruise – $136 ($17 x 8 days)

Check the Port Canaveral website for more information about parking and directions.

Be sure to check on deals at the hotels near the port . You can usually pay for one night and get a week of free parking in the hotel lot and often a complimentary shuttle ride to/from the cruise terminal. Usually there’s a special cruise hotel package you need to book to get the “free” parking, which will cost somewhat more than booking their lowest rate, but it’s nearly always going to be cheaper than parking at the port. Some hotels include the parking in the package cost, but charge extra for the shuttle. Even if the shuttle fee is included, the shuttle drivers are not shy about asking for tips, and the wait for the shuttle can be long, so we usually take a taxi or Lyft even if there’s an ostensibly “free” shuttle. From most of the Canaveral hotels to the cruise terminal is about a $5-7 taxi fare.

Port of San Diego – Rental Car

If you will be taking a West Coast Disney cruise and you are also planning to make a “grand tour” of Southern California, with a visit to Disneyland as well as other Southern California tourist destinations , a rental car is definitely your best bet. Taking taxis, limos or shuttles between the major attractions would cost a fortune because the distances are significant. For instance, it’s a 1.5 hour drive between SeaWorld San Diego and Disneyland. Southern California is a very car-oriented culture, with relatively poor public transportation. Trying to get between a number of different attractions without a car can be an exercise in frustration.

If you are flying in or out of San Diego International Airport (SAN) , all of the major rental car companies have locations there. See the Rental Cars page and check the company that interests you for more information.

It is never cost-effective to rent a car at SAN and leave it at the port during your cruise. Parking near the port is expensive. The airport is very close to the cruise port, so it’s better to rent the car at the airport either pre- or post-cruise and return it to the airport so you’re not accruing both rental fees and parking charges during the cruise.

Port of San Diego – Lyft, Taxi, Luxury Sedan, Limo or Private Van/SUV Service

The cruise terminal is very close to the airport as the crow flies, but because of the road layout and potential traffic, it’s about a 5 mile trip and takes about 15-20 minutes. Disney offers bus service, but the quickest and sometimes the least expensive way to accomplish your transfer will be Lyft , a taxi or a private limo service.

• Learn more about towncar, limo or private van service to/from the Port of San Diego .

If you need to transfer between the San Diego Airport (SAN) and the Port of San Diego, your least expensive option is usually  a shared van service . The shuttle will make multiple stops, so allow plenty of time.

However, for the ultimate in convenience and luxury, consider using a private towncar or limo transfer . It may cost a bit more than a shuttle, but it is much more comfortable and efficient.

Port of San Diego – Parking

Parking for a San Diego cruise, is, in a word, messy. There is no official parking lot, just a lot of independent lots nearby that also handle other parking business and can fill up. If you can get a reservation, the parking at the Wyndham across the street  from the cruise terminal is convenient. If not, most of the long-term parking in the area (including many of the airport long-term lots) offer a shuttle to the cruise terminal, or you can get a cab from the parking lot.

Port of Vancouver – Transportation

The simplest way to get to Vancouver, BC is to fly to Vancouver International Airport (YVR). However, there are more flight options available to Seattle-Tacoma Airport (SEA), which is just 3-4 hours away from Vancouver by train or bus. Airfares to Seattle are often much cheaper, even when you factor in the cost of the extra train or bus ticket and other costs, and the trip from Seattle to Vancouver is quite scenic. Traveling via Seattle can add 5-6 hours to your trip, however. To make the Seattle option work well, it’s really best to stay in Seattle at least overnight, then take the train or bus up on another date. It is possible to fly into Seattle and get onto a ship in Vancouver the same day, but the connections are super tight — there’s not a lot of room for error and we wouldn’t recommend it.

Flying To Vancouver Directly

The closest airport is Vancouver International (YVR). You can get a taxi to the Canada Place cruise terminal for about $45-$60 CAD (plus tip), which takes 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic. Vancouver now has Lyft service, and that’s going to run $30-40 CAD.

You can also book a limo or town car. The official town car company for the airport is Aerocar , which charges a flat $64 CAD (plus tip) for a sedan from YVR to the cruise terminal.

The cheapest and usually easiest way to go is the SkyTrain Canada Line , a light rail train that goes directly from the airport to Waterfront Station. The SkyTrain station is right across from the airport entrance – ask someone to direct you if needed; the signs are not as clear as one would like. Get on any train; the track begins at the airport and all trains head to Waterfront, so you can’t get on the wrong train or the wrong direction. When you reach Waterfront station, take the Cordova Street exit from the station, turn right and walk down about a block and a half to Howe. Turn right and the cruise terminal and Pan Pacific hotel is right there. The cash fare is only $7-9 CAD per person (depending on whether you’re going peak or off-peak). You do not need cash; the ticket kiosks take credit cards. It takes about 25-35 minutes. Keep in mind that the trains don’t have any luggage racks, so if you have a lot of luggage, SkyTrain may be a bit of a hassle.

Flying to Seattle Then Train To Vancouver

You’ll want to fly to Seattle-Tacoma airport (SEA). If you want to make it on your cruise ship that same day, you’ll need to arrive very early, probably before 6:15 am, as the morning train leaves at 7:45 am and there isn’t another until 7:00 pm. If you plan to arrive a day or more early, obviously you can take the later train or the early one the next day.

There are two Amtrak trains per day from Seattle to Vancouver, which you can book in advance on the Amtrak website . Prices start at $34 per person, each way, and the trip takes 4 hours (though allow extra time, as it often takes longer). As seats sell out, only the higher fares remain available, and they go as high as $86, so book early. Be sure you book the Amtrak Cascades  train trip ; Amtrak also books their own “Thruway” bus service which is not usually the best bus option.

You will also need to get from the SeaTac airport to the King Street train station in downtown Seattle, and from the Vancouver Pacific Central train station to the Canada Place cruise terminal.

In Seattle, the taxi ride is $40 (flat rate, plus tip) from the airport to anywhere in downtown Seattle, including the train station. Allow 30 minutes for the trip, longer on weekdays at rush hour. You can also take the Link light rail for $3/person from the airport to the International District station, which is 3 blocks from the King Street Station, but there are no luggage racks, so it can be a hassle if you have multiple bags. Seattle also has Lyft service available.

In Vancouver, a taxi from the train station to the cruise terminal is about $12-$15 CAD (plus tip) and takes about 15 minutes, or you can walk a couple blocks from the train station and take the Expo Line from SkyTrain Main Street station to the Waterfront station for around $2.75 CAD. When you reach Waterfront Station, use the Howe Street exit and you come out right in front of the cruise terminal. Again, there are no luggage racks on SkyTrain, so not a great option for those with many big or unwieldy bags. Vancouver also has Lyft service available.

Flying to Seattle Then Bus To Vancouver

The closest airport is Seattle-Tacoma airport (SEA). To make it onto your cruise that same day, you’ll want to get in before 9:00 am in order to make it on a 10:00 am bus. If you plan to arrive a day or more early, obviously you can take a later bus.

The Quick Coach bus service is the most convenient, since it drops off directly at the Canada Place cruise terminal in Vancouver. If you book at least 24 hours in advance, you can have them drop you directly at any downtown Vancouver hotel. Fares start at $50 one way or $95 round trip for adults, with discounts available for children and seniors. There are significant charges for baggage over and above one purse-sized personal item. The trip takes about 4.5 hours.

The Seattle-Vancouver FlixBus (owned by Greyhound) goes from several Seattle locations (including SeaTac Airport) to the Vancouver Pacific Central train station, with advance fares as low as $30 each way, including one large bag and one personal item (purse-sized). The trip takes about 4.5 hours from SeaTac or 4 hours from downtown Seattle. You still need to get from the Vancouver train station to the cruise terminal or your hotel. See the section above on train travel to see the various options on each end.

Flying to Bellingham Then Bus or Train to Vancouver

An often-overlooked option that can work for some people is to fly to Bellingham, WA which is the closest major city in Washington to Vancouver, BC. Sometimes it’s only a little more expensive to fly to Bellingham than to Seattle, and a bus or train from Bellingham takes less than half the time (just under two hours) and has a much lower fare than the same bus or train from Seattle. The connections aren’t as tight, and it’s more reasonable to try to fly into Bellingham and get on your cruise ship the same day, though given the vagaries of modern air travel, we still suggest getting in a day early if you can. All of the options from Seattle, including Quick Coach , FlixBus and Amtrak can also be taken from Bellingham. For Amtrak you have to get to the Bellingham train station, and FlixBus picks up at Western Washington University or near the ferry terminal, but Bellingham is so small that the cab to any location is unlikely to be more than 5 minutes and about $10.

If you end up staying in Bellingham, or driving through at lunch time, our favorite fish & chips joint there is the Web Locker ( map link ). Whether it’s a good idea to have a lot of fried fish before getting on a cruise is a judgment call you’ll have to make for yourself. We can never seem to skip it. We also are very fond of the Boundary Bay Brewery & Bistro  ( map link ), which is closer to the freeway. It has a bit of a brewpub feeling, but is family-friendly and serves a lot of comfort food like burgers and sandwiches.

Not all cities have good, reasonably-priced flights to Bellingham, but it can be worth checking out. The primary airlines that service Bellingham are Allegiant, Alaska and Horizon.

Parking is available for roughly $27 CAD per day (tax included) at the Port of Vancouver Cruise Terminal (Canada Place). Indigo Neo operates the parking garage, and requires guests parking at Canada Place Parking Garage for anything longer than one day to make a reservation online via their website , or by calling them at (800) 469-4169 . The garage is right there in the cruise terminal; to get to the ship you just take an elevator to the embarkation level and walk a few hundred feet.

6 Best Ways to Get to Disney Cruises in Port Canaveral

If you’re planning a Disney cruise, you have several options for traveling between Orlando and Port Canaveral. Orlando International Airport (MCO) is 45 miles from Disney’s Port Canaveral Cruise terminal, so you will need a travel plan before arriving in Florida. This guide covers the best ways to get to Disney cruises in Port Canaveral , including detailed information on:

• Disney shuttle service between MCO and the DCL terminal
• Non-Disney transportation between Orlando and Port Canaveral
• Ridesharing and taxi services
• Car rentals and driving your own car
• Most practical and affordable transportation options

Here are the six best ways to travel from Orlando to Port Canaveral, whether you seek the fastest route, the most budget-friendly option, or something else.

1. Uber and Lyft

In the age of rideshare apps, more and more people are choosing private transportation over shuttles.

Ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft are the best way to travel between Orlando International Airport and the Disney Cruise Line terminal. They provide direct transportation to Port Canaveral and are usually the least expensive option for groups between 3 to 5 people. Additionally, you don’t need advance reservations for Uber and Lyft .

The cost of Uber is usually less than half that of a taxi. For instance, the trip from Orlando International Airport to Port Canaveral costs approximately $60 each way for an Uber Connect or $90 for an UberXL. As a result, the ride costs $15 to $22.50 per person round trip for a group of four. This price is competitive with the cheapest shuttle service, but it’s much more convenient (no need to book in advance), you have the vehicle all to yourself, and you won’t have to worry about late shuttles.

Uber ridesharing app | Image © Uber

Here’s what you can expect to pay for a one-way Uber fare from MCO to Disney Cruise Line Terminal – Port Canaveral:

• Connect – $57.15
• UberX – $65.95
• Uber Green – $65.95
• Uber Pet – $69.82
• Comfort – $75.08
• UberX Car Seat – $75.95
• UberXL – $89.40
• UberXL Car Seat – $99.40
• Black – $149.40
• Black Car Seat – $159.40
• Black SUV Car Seat – $186.29
• Black Hourly – $158.08
• MT Connect – $201.40

Price estimates are subject to change. Check the Uber Price Estimator for the latest fares.

Uber and Lyft are the best ways to get to Disney cruises in Port Canaveral. Once you’ve downloaded the app, Uber and Lyft are very affordable and extremely easy to use. They will take you directly to Disney’s Port Canaveral terminal and return you after your cruise. Plus, you won’t need reservations!

The only major drawback of Uber vs. a shuttle service is that prices can change depending on traffic and surge volume. The Uber app predicts those factors before you hail a ride, but it may be too late to change your plans if you don’t have shuttle reservations.

Another downside could potentially be the type (size) of vehicle you request. A smaller Uber or Lyft may not be sufficient if you have a lot of luggage. Consider your options carefully when ordering a car.

Despite these downside risks, ridesharing is the best way to get to Disney cruises in Port Canaveral .

2. Independent Shuttle Companies

Many shuttle companies provide transport between Orlando and Port Canaveral. After all, the port’s ferry terminal is the second busiest in the world (right behind the Port of Miami ), and the Florida Disney cruise terminal is a busy place. There’s plenty of business to go around!

Like Disney’s own shuttle service, independent shuttle services are usually shared (ie, you share the bus with other guests). However, unlike Disney, independent shuttle companies provide a wide range of vehicle options. These range from sedans and limos to minivans and large motor coaches.

Listed below are the shuttle companies providing service between Orlando International Airport and the Disney Cruise Line terminal at Port Canaveral. Click on any link to visit the company’s website.

• Ace Luxury – Ace provides  “VIP Meet and Greet hospitality service” in the form of sedans, vans, and motorcoach transportation. Contact them for rates.
• Cocoa Beach Shuttle – Cocoa provides sedans, vans ($45 for two people, $85 for 4), a Private 10-passenger Van Service ($150), and motor coaches at various rates.
• Cortrans Shuttle Service – Contrans offers one-way shuttle transportation between MCO and Port Canaveral for $25 one-way and $50 roundtrip.
• Go Port Canaveral – The shuttle bus from MCO to Port Canaveral is $29.99 per person ($59.98 RT).
• Mears Transportation – Mears provides a chauffeured vehicle service to Port Canaveral via their Mears Global Chauffeured Car Service. Contact for price quotes.
• Space Port Transport – Space Port rates are $98 for one to four people, one way, and $10.00 for each additional person.
• Star Trans-VIP – Star Trans-VIP offers a wide selection of luxe and corporate sedans, vans, and motorcoach transportation. Contact them for a quote.
• Tropicana Transport – Tropicana provides shuttle van transportation between MCO and the Disney Cruise Port. Rates are $20 to $27.50 per person, depending on how many people are in the van.

In general, shuttle services outside of Disney are cheaper than Disney’s own ground transportation . Additionally, independent shuttles can be less costly for singles and couples than Uber rates (which start at $60 and go up from there). The same goes for large groups: even though this may seem more luxurious, an entire private van (or even a bus) can be pretty economical if you have a large group.

You will also find that non-Disney providers offer a much wider variety of vehicle types and sizes than ridesharing services and Disney ground transportation.

Despite these advantages, Uber is likely more cost-effective for groups of three to five people. Furthermore, if you don’t mind paying a little extra per person, and all of these options seem overwhelming, you might just consider Disney Cruise Line’s official ground transportation shuttle service. It might be the peace of mind you’re after, and it’s the one way to ensure your experience is as Disney as possible.

Do you still have questions? Let DCL experts at The Vacationeer handle your Disney Cruise Line arrangements. Their services are free to you, and their assistance can be oh-so-helpful. They offer a generous Disney onboard credit program that will save you money when booking a Disney cruise with them. Contact The Vacationeer today to receive a free, no-obligation quote !

3. Disney Ground Transportation from Orlando International Airport or WDW

For those cruising with Disney to The Bahamas or the Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line offers a ground transfer option between Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Disney’s Port Canaveral terminal. Transfers are not included in the cost of a Disney cruise and are available on embarkation and debarkation days only.

The cost from MCO to the Disney terminal is $39 per Guest each way, or $78 roundtrip.

DCL provides special luggage tags that streamline getting your luggage onto the ship; be sure to follow the instructions that come with the tags so that the crew members at the airport, port, and ship get your bags to your stateroom.

DCL will pick you up at Orlando International Airport and take you to the Disney Cruise Port. A DCL representative will assist you with your carry-on bags if necessary.

The Disney Ground Transportation experience is pleasant and seamless from start to finish. You can watch a complimentary Disney movie on the shuttle, and you’ll be dropped off right near the the terminal upon arrival.

You can add flights, ground transportation, or hotel accommodations by calling DCL (800) 951-3532. Or, better yet, let The Vacationeer book your Disney cruise and handle the transportation.

DCL handles all arrangements, so there is no worry of being late for the cruise, and you can sit back and let Disney take care of everything for you.

Disney’s shuttle transportation is not the most cost-effective way to get to Disney Cruises in Port Canaveral. Suppose you have a large family or group. Round trip fares to Port Canaveral are $78 per person, meaning the total price will be over $300 for a family of four or five. A private van for up to ten people would cost less than that.

Disney’s cruise shuttle only picks people up from MCO airport and the Walt Disney World resort hotels.  If you’re flying into the SFB or MLB airports near Orlando and going directly to the ship from the airport, you won’t be able to use the service.

4. Taxi Cabs

Taxis are known to be among the most expensive options for travelers. But how much does a taxi cost from Orlando to Port Canaveral?

According to TaxiFareFinder.com , a taxi ride from Orlando International Airport to Disney Cruise Line Terminal – Port Canaveral will cost you $123 without the tip.

Remember that taxi fares do not take the number of passengers into consideration, so if you have 1 or 4 people, the fare will be the same. So, even if you split the fare between four passengers, your taxi fare still comes to about $35 per person when you include a decent tip. Compare this to the least expensive ridesharing options from Uber and Lyft (starting at $60), and you soon realize that a standard taxi is almost double that of a basic Uber or Lyft.

Mears, a central Florida taxi provider | Image © Mears

Taxis are the most convenient transportation option between Orlando International Airport and the Disney Cruise Line terminal in Port Canaveral . You simply exit the building and find taxi cabs lined up to take passengers to their destination: no reservations, no apps, and no sharing the ride. Just hop right in and go directly to Port Canaveral!

Taxis will cost more than most Uber and Lyft vehicle options, especially the Uber Connect and UberX tiers. Taxis are also more expensive than most shared shuttle options provided by independent (non-Disney) transportation companies.

Disney Cruise Line’s shuttle option is more nuanced. At $39 per person each way, Disney’s option is cheaper for 1, 2, or 3 passengers, but a taxi is cheaper for four people on a per-person basis.

5. Drive your Car to the Cruise Terminal at Port Canaveral

Several parking options are available near the terminal if you drive to Port Canaveral.

The Port Canaveral Port Authority operates a parking garage adjacent to the DCL terminal. It opens at 10:15 am and does not accept cash payments.

The Disney Cruise Line – Port Canaveral Terminal address is:

9155 Charles M. Rowland Dr. Port Canaveral, FL 32920

How much does parking at Disney’s Port Canaveral Terminal cost?

• $68 for a 3-night cruise
• $85 for a 4-night cruise
• $102 for a 5-night cruise
• $119 for a 6-night cruise
• $136 for a 7-night cruise

Preferred parking is available for an extra charge; it allows you to park closer to the ships in an area that is first-come, first-served.

The Port Authority requires full payment for parking at the start of your cruise, but you can also prepay through the Port Canaveral website . Remember, cash is not accepted at the parking lot.

Many hotels in the Port Canaveral area provide shuttles to the port of embarkation. You may consider arriving the day before the cruise and parking at your hotel until it is over. Even after considering the hotel stay, this may save you money, so make sure you check with your hotel for details. It’s always a good idea to arrive a day early anyway so you won’t have to worry about missing your Disney cruise departure.

Having your car means you can plan your own schedule, and you won’t have to depend on anyone else. When you disembark the cruise, your vehicle will be ready for you. You won’t need to share transportation with anyone but your family.

You must navigate through the port and load and unload luggage on your own. Many people find shuttles, Uber, and taxis less stressful and more convenient. Additionally, the cost of a Disney cruise is already high enough without additional fuel costs and daily parking expenses.

6. Rent a Car prior to Cruising

Car rentals are perhaps the least practical option for getting to Disney cruises departing from Florida .

From Orlando International Airport, it will take approximately 43 minutes to reach Disney Cruise Line’s Port Canaveral terminal. The drive is 46 minutes from Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB),  61 minutes from Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), and 60 minutes from Walt Disney World Resort.

Rental cars usually cost $105 per day from Orlando International Airport . There are plenty of car rental companies to choose from at MCO with flexible terms, including the possibility of one-way car rental.

In some situations, renting a car from Orlando to Port Canaveral can be beneficial. If you plan to tour Florida before or after your cruise, renting a vehicle may be a practical and affordable option. It will allow you to explore the area on your own terms if you don’t own a car.

Parking fees must be considered if you decide to keep your car during your cruise. These can add up easily during longer cruises. With this in mind, car rentals are among the most expensive and least practical ways to get to Disney cruises in Port Canaveral .

There are so many ways to get to Port Canaveral without the need to rent a car.

Unless you want to explore the surrounding area before or after your cruise (and don’t have your own car), it’s best to stick with a cheaper and more convenient option.

Final Thoughts on Getting to Your Port Canaveral Cruise

Disney Cruise Line offers a variety of transportation options for getting to the Port Canaveral terminal, including driving yourself, taking a shuttle, hailing an Uber or taxi, and renting a car. While each option has its own set of pros and cons, we think that ridesharing from Uber or Lyft provided the best in affordability and convenience. However, Disney’s option is great if you want to keep it all Disney, and independent companies might be a better option depending on the size of your party. Whatever option you choose, we are sure you will have a magical time at sea!

Ready to Book your Disney Cruise?

If you have questions about the best ways to get to Disney cruises in Port Canaveral, we encourage you to contact The Vacationeer .

They can also provide you with up to $1,000 in FREE onboard credit, Disney’s best available pricing, and expert planning advice and assistance (including the Castaway Cay tips and how to choose the best Disney cruise ship ). Contact The Vacationeer today for a free, no-obligation price quote. You won’t regret it!

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There are several options to get you to Port Canaveral to begin your Disney Cruise . AllEars® recommends our preferred ground transportation service, Happy Limo . Happy Limousine provides reliable and convenient transportation to or from the Port Canaveral pier and Orlando airport, and even a hotel room. Happy Limo offers the following transportation options to the Disney Cruise Line from Orlando International Airport.

Happy Limo offers the following transportation options to the Disney Cruise Line from Orlando International Airport.

Shuttle Service:

The Cost is $30 per person one-way which is less than one-way rate charged by Disney Cruise Line shuttle. All shuttle bookings require a minimum of 4 passengers — if you have less than four passengers then you must book private transfers only. Be sure to check their website or call them directly (407-856-1280) for the current deals and price packages.

Shuttle is currently only offered from Orlando International Airport to the Disney Cruise Line Terminal at Port Canaveral and back. Shuttle departure times from Orlando Airport are: 10AM, 11AM, and 12:30PM. Shuttle departure times from Disney Cruise Line are: 8AM, 9AM and 10AM.

Private Service:       

Happy Limousine also offers private transfers. You may choose from several different types of vehicles, including Lincoln MKT’s, Minivans, 10-14 passenger vans, full-size Suburbans, 8-18 passengers stretch limousines, and 24-56 passenger buses. Please contact Happy Limousine to inquire about their current rates.

Click here to read MORE about Happy Limo!

Transfers through disney.

Another option for getting to Port Canaveral is to arrange for transfers directly with Disney. As part of your cruise package, you can purchase transfer tickets via Disney for transport to the Port from either the Orlando airport or your Disney hotel. The buses are luxury motor coaches which are accessable (must specific this when making your reservation) and have a bathroom onboard. (Please note not all buses are exactly like the one pictured).

Tickets via Disney Cruise Line are per person: $39 per person one way from either WDW to the Port, or Port to WDW or the Airport. Transfers should be arranged prior to arrival in Orlando. We recommend calling (800) 951-3532 to add ground transfers in advance, as only a limited number may be available for purchase upon arrival.

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How much does a Disney cruise really cost?

Editor's Note

Disney Cruise Line is known for its family-friendly cruises complete with all of your favorite Disney characters, impeccable dining, exciting entertainment and thrilling ports of call. With everything that's included on the sailings, you might be wondering how much a Disney cruise costs — and if you can afford one.

Cruises with Mickey Mouse and his pals range in price depending on many factors such as the embarkation port and destination, departure date, length of the cruise and cabin type you book. No matter which cruise you book, it will be pricey, like any Disney vacation. You'll have to determine what value you put on experiencing the "magic" of Disney.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

To me, it's worth a lot. I've experienced all five ships in the Disney fleet and have sailed seven times to destinations around the Caribbean and the Mediterranean .

Here, I'm sharing how much a Disney cruise costs per ship and itinerary, any extras that are worth the additional fees and how to save money on a Disney cruise.

How much does it cost to go on a Disney cruise?

Let's be honest: A cruise on any Disney ship isn't cheap. Factors like cabin type and category, sail date, destination, length of cruise, traveling party size and if you're on a themed cruise can impact the overall cost. If you're trying to keep your costs lower, your best option is to pick a cruise on an older ship (Disney Wonder, Disney Magic, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy) or pick a shorter cruise length.

The cheapest Disney cruise we found cost $1,000 for an inside cabin for two people on a two-night sailing on Disney Wonder in Australia. That's $250 per person per night.

If you're looking for a cheap Caribbean or Bahamian sailing, consider a three-night Bahamas cruise on Disney Magic starting at $1,500 for an inside cabin for two people. This also equates to $250 per person per day. Add in drinks, specialty dining, souvenirs and other expenses, and you can expect to spend around $2,500 in total.

On a recent sailing on the Disney Dream , my family of three and I spent five nights at sea in a balcony room and paid a grand total of $4,514.06. This total included everything from the cruise fare and pre-night hotel stay to parking and spa services.

Some examples of starting prices for each ship and its major itineraries for an inside cabin or a balcony cabin are listed below so you can get a sense of pricing across the fleet. Prices are based on double occupancy.

Disney Magic

One- to three-night Bahamas: inside cabins, $1,500 to $2,500; balcony cabins, $1,900 to $3,300 Four-night Caribbean and Bahamas: inside cabins, $1,800 to $3,200; balcony cabins, $2,300 to $4,000 Five- to six-night Caribbean and Bahamas: inside cabins, $2,200 to $4,400; balcony cabins, $3,000 to $6,600 Seven-night Caribbean: inside cabins, $2,700 to $3,300; balcony cabins, $3,800 to $4,900

Disney Wonder

Two- to three-night Australia: inside cabins, $1,000 to $2,100; balcony cabins, $1,200 to $2,800 Four-night Australia: inside cabins, $1,700 to $3,000; balcony cabins, $2,200 to $4,000 Seven-night Alaska: inside cabins, $3,300 to $5,000; balcony cabins, $5,900 to $10,500

Disney Dream

Three-night Bahamas: inside cabins, $1,700 to $2,300; balcony cabins, $2,000 to $2,600 Four-night Bahamas: inside cabins, $2,100 to $3,500; balcony cabins, $2,500 to $4,000 Five-night Caribbean: inside cabins, $2,800 to $4,400; balcony cabins, $3,100 to $5,000 Five-night Bahamas: inside cabins, $2,700 to $4,000; balcony cabins, $3,200 to $4,600 Seven-night Europe and Mediterranean: inside cabins $4,400 to $6,800; balcony cabins, $5,200 to $9,500

Disney Fantasy

Four-night Bahamas: inside cabins, $2,100 to $3,000; balcony cabins, $2,400 to $3,400 Five- to six-night Bahamas: inside cabins, $2,700 to $4,400; balcony cabins, $3,200 to $4,900 Seven-night Caribbean: inside cabins, $3,300 to $5,700; balcony cabins, $3,900 to $7,000

Disney Wish

Three-night Bahamas: inside cabins, $2,000 to $3,000; balcony cabins, $2,500 to $3,500 Four-night Bahamas: inside cabins, $2,600 to $4,600; balcony cabins, $3,000 to $5,600

Disney Treasure

The maiden voyage is set for Dec. 21, 2024.

Seven-night Caribbean: inside cabins, $4,200 to $5,800; balcony cabins, $5,200 to $7,000

Related: The 3 types of Disney Cruise Line ships, explained

Where do Disney cruises sail from?

Disney Cruises depart from 15 different ports around the world, but the major ones to think about from the U.S. include:

• Fort Lauderdale
• Port Canaveral, Florida
• Galveston, Texas
• New Orleans

The major international ports Disney Cruise Line sets sail from include:

• Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy
• Melbourne, Australia
• Southampton, England
• Brisbane, Australia
• Vancouver (British Columbia), Canada

Depending on the cruise you pick, getting to and from the home port can be easy or take a little longer — and that can impact the total cost of your Disney cruise.

For instance, many people drive to Fort Lauderdale or Port Canaveral if they already live in the southern U.S. Driving can save money versus flying, and you might not have to stay in a pre-cruise hotel if you can drive right to the port.

You will have to pay to park at the port or at a third-party parking lot. While the off-site parking lots are often cheaper, you will need to think about how to get to and from the ship, tipping the porter or driver, plus the added time to get from your car to the ship.

On the other hand, if you are taking a cruise from an international destination or flying to a domestic home port, your costs automatically go up because of flights for your family, a pre-cruise hotel, meals before the sailing, and transportation to the ship and back to the airport.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Disney Cruise Line ship

What's included in the price of a Disney cruise?

You might pay a lot for a Disney cruise, but you get a lot for your money. The cost of a Disney cruise covers your onboard dining and most nonalcoholic drinks, an abundance of entertainment for kids and adults, onboard activities and transportation between cruise ports. Even most entertainment and food on Disney's private island Castaway Cay (and upcoming private island destination Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point) is part of the fare.

Entertainment

Most of the entertainment on board is included in the overall cost of your sailing. On your cruise, you can experience Broadway-quality shows inside the Walt Disney Theater, watch first-run movies from Disney's production companies (like Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars), listen to live music and participate in game shows in the adults-only lounges. Most itineraries feature a deck party with a fireworks show.

Kids can meet and play with their favorite Disney characters and participate in activities like karaoke. Family-friendly sun decks with pools, waterslides, splash zones and wading pools are also included in the cost.

Disney Cruise Line is known for its rotational dining evening dinner service. Families rotate through three onboard restaurants throughout the sailing, and your service team moves with you. Each of the rotational dining options is included in your cruise fare. One of the restaurants will be open for drop-in, sit-down meals during breakfast and lunch as well. Complimentary room service is available 24 hours a day.

On the upper decks, quick-service food stations, soft-serve ice cream and a buffet are available. Every Disney cruise also includes unlimited coffee, tea and soda.

Accommodations

Almost every cabin across the Disney fleet features Disney's distinctive split bathroom concept. One of the bathrooms has a vanity, sink and tub-shower, plus another bathroom with a vanity, sink and toilet. Each room also has a small refrigerator, safe and hair dryer.

Every child ages 3 to 17 will have access to Disney's kids clubs on board. Youngsters ages 3-10 can enjoy Disney's Oceaneer Club and Disney's Oceaneer Lab . Tweens ages 11-14 have access to Edge, and teens ages 14-17 can chill out in Vibe.

Each kids club has dedicated counselors and a host of activities every day. The best way to see the list of activities is to download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app and scroll through the daily agenda. You can flag activities your kids want to attend, so you can get to the kids clubs before they start.

Adult-exclusive activities

Disney cruises are packed with family-friendly programming, but adults can find spaces and events geared just for them in the adult-only nightclubs and lounges on board. Live music, interactive games and shows are only some of the nightly activities.

Additionally, adults have a dedicated pool and hot tub area that includes a bar and coffee shop. (Drinks cost extra, but access is free). For those looking to stay fit while onboard, access to the fitness center is also included.

Castaway Cay

On most Bahamas and Caribbean sailings, you'll stop at Disney's private island, Castaway Cay . At the island, your family can enjoy the family beach or adult-exclusive beach (for those 18 and older).

Use of towels, beach chairs and shade umbrellas are complimentary, as are waterslides and splash zones. Live music and character appearances take place around the island. Kids and teen club activities are available on Castaway Cay — again, at no extra charge. Runners can participate in the Castaway Cay 5K and get a finisher medal.

When it's time to eat, three spots serve an included barbecue lunch, complete with soft-serve ice cream. Coffee, tea and fountain drinks are also included at Castaway Cay.

To get around the island, you can walk or use the complimentary trams.

Related: Are cruises all-inclusive? What's actually included in your cruise fare

Are there any extra Disney costs?

Even though many activities, dining options and entertainment are included in the cost of your cruise, you will find things to pay extra for on a Disney cruise. These may or may not be worth it for your family, depending on your budget and interests. Below is a list of things not included in your overall cruise fare.

Some of the cutest Disney activities are also ones that cost extra. Kids who want more time with the Disney characters might be interested in the Royal Court Royal Tea — a tea party with characters for kids ages 3 to 12. According to planDisney (Disney's online resource for vacation-planning tips) , the cost is $220 per child and $69 for anyone 13 and up. Each tea party includes a selection of tea and a two-course meal; every child gets an assortment of gifts.

Kids can also play dress-up and get a full regal or pirate (only available on Pirate Party Nights) makeover at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, found on every Disney ship. Depending on the package you booked for your child, expect to pay $100 to $450 for each makeover.

Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy both have a virtual sports simulator that requires a reservation and a fee. You can play various sports, from football to golf, for either 30- or 60-minute time blocks. Cost varies based on time, sport and number of people playing.

Specialty dining and cocktails

Four specialty dining restaurants are offered across the Disney Cruise Line fleet. Exclusive to Disney Wish (and coming soon to Disney Treasure ) are Enchante and Palo Steakhouse. Expect to pay $60 to $205 plus an 18% auto-gratuity for a meal at Enchante; Palo Steakhouse is $50 for a prix-fixe meal, but an a la carte menu is also available.

On the four other Disney Cruise Line ships, Palo is also $50 for prix-fixe and offers an a la carte menu. An 18% auto-gratuity is also tacked onto your bill.

On Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, Remy is also available, with the dessert experience starting at $65 without the 18% auto-gratuity, while brunch and dinner are $80 and $135 respectively, plus an additional 18% auto-gratuity.

On all ships, themed bars and lounges sling drinks. Because there's no drink package available through Disney Cruise Line, you will have to pay for each drink individually. The planDisney panel says the average drink can range from $6 to $20.

If you're looking for specialty coffee, tea or hot chocolate drinks, look for the Cove Cafe on all ships; there are also specialty counters off of the atrium on Disney Dream, Fantasy and Wish. These drinks cost anywhere from $5 to $8, depending on your order. You can also order alcoholic drinks from the coffee bars, which run the typical cocktail prices.

Outside the Walt Disney Theater or near the movie theaters on board each ship, you'll also smell the buttery goodness of freshly popped popcorn. You can buy the popcorn for an added fee to take into the shows with you. Additionally, there are some specialty popcorn buckets available for purchase on each ship; you can refill them for a discounted price every time you want to munch on the salty snack. (Specialty buckets purchased off the ships at a Disney resort or theme park are not eligible for a discounted popcorn refill.)

Additionally, each ship offers beverage-tasting seminars where you can learn how to make and taste a variety of cocktails in a given category. Seminars can range from $40 to $70 and last about an hour.

While crew gratuities on Disney Cruise Line are not included in the overall cost, some can be prepaid before you step onboard. These include gratuities to your dining room server, assistant server and head server, plus your cabin host. Disney recommends a gratuity of $14.50 per night per person, including infants and children in regular cabins. It's recommended that those in concierge cabins and suites pay $15.50, with the extra going to your cabin assistant host.

Gratuities that are not included can be paid on board. Such gratuities include anything extra you would like to give to your service team, tips on alcoholic beverages in the dining room, adult dining locations, room service and the spa. The concierge lounge team is also not included in prepaid gratuities for concierge guests, and Disney recommends $8 per night per guest.

Keep in mind that an 18% gratuity is automatically added to bar tabs across the ship and for spa services. To make it easy while on the ship, you can charge all your gratuities to your onboard account.

If you want to bring something home from your trip — whether from a port of call or from the onboard shops — you'll want to budget for that extra cost. Souvenirs off the ship can range from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars, depending on what you buy. Be prepared that some shops will only take local currency; purchases at Castaway Cay shops will be charged to your onboard account.

On the ship, easy-to-transport souvenirs included trading pins, magnets and apparel. These can range anywhere from $20 to $75. Other more expensive onboard souvenirs include jewelry, luxury brand purses and wallets, and art.

Related: 26 Disney cruise tips, tricks, secrets and extra magic to unlock

How do I save money on a Disney cruise?

If you're reeling from sticker shock, know you can find many ways to save money on a Disney cruise. Here are a few of my favorite money-saving tips.

Letting Disney choose your cabin can be a great way to get a deal on the cruise. These are known as guaranteed rates, and they are the cheapest fares in each category. All you have to do is pick your room type, such as inside, ocean view or balcony, and Disney picks which specific room number you get. This works best if you don't care where your room is on the ship.

If you're looking for a room upgrade , but that's not a make-it-or-break-it deal for your family, consider waiting to upgrade your room until you get to the port. If your cruise still has rooms available, you can ask at check-in about a room upgrade for a discount. The cost will be relative to the room type you originally booked and the room type you want to upgrade to. Sometimes, you can even upgrade to a concierge room or a suite, but you will need to get an early port arrival time to potentially score one of those upgrades.

Disney Cruise Line has one of the most generous alcohol policies of any big-ship cruise brand. At the start of your cruise, you can bring up to six cans of beer or two bottles of wine per person over 21 years old. Then, at each port, you can restock and bring the same alcohol allotment per person over 21 onto the ship to store in your room and enjoy. You might find that beer and wine are cheaper in port than on board — a smart way to save on your drinking expenses.

Related: Best Disney cruise ships for everyone — even Disney adults

Are Disney cruises cheaper or more expensive than other cruise lines?

Other family-friendly cruise brands include Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line and MSC Cruises. While all of the family-friendly brands have pros and cons, picking the right one for your family can come down to a matter of cost. Disney is almost always the most expensive.

For example, we priced out a three-night weekend cruise departing on the same dates for Disney Wish and Royal Caribbean 's soon-to-debut Utopia of the Seas. We found that Disney was almost $500 more expensive for the same weekend, cabin type and length of sailing. Utopia of the Seas came out to $2,850.10 for two people staying in a balcony cabin, while the Disney Wish cruise, also in a balcony room, cost $3,337.20.

What Disney does best — and why many people choose to cruise with the brand — is it provides a high level of service to families, even those in the least expensive cabins. The crew on Disney ships goes above and beyond to make your vacation easy. I've seen everything from dining staff cutting kids' food and taking children to the bathroom to room hosts ensuring parents know about the parental locks on balcony doors (so kids can't just wander outside without an adult).

The extra amenities that Disney offers — such as Broadway-quality shows, character experiences and larger standard cabins — all bring the overall cruise cost up.

Disney also has a smaller fleet than all its family-friendly competitors, meaning there is less cabin inventory to sell. Plus, its ships generally carry fewer passengers. For example, Disney Wish, Disney's biggest ship, carries 4,000 people at full capacity; Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas can carry 7,600 guests at capacity. The low inventory combined with the high demand for Disney cruises means that Disney can charge higher fares and still fill ships.

Bottom line

Cruise fares with Disney can change based on factors like room type, travel party size and sailing date. The minimum price you can expect to pay for a cruise to the Caribbean or Bahamas starts at $1,500 for an inside cabin for two people on Disney Magic.

Disney Cruise Line includes a variety of dining experiences (including room service), soda, character meet-and-greets and Broadway-caliber entertainment in its fares; it also allows passengers to bring alcohol on board in every port of call. For these reasons, you don't necessarily have to spend much on board to have a fantastic vacation. The cruise can be a good value depending on the extras you choose to add.

The real question is whether you want to spend more on the base cruise fare to immerse yourself in the world of Disney versus paying less for another family-friendly cruise line.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

The Disney Cruise Family Travel Blog

Travel and Fun Things To Do

Taking Disney Cruise Line Transportation

Updated December 29, 2023.

A popular question is how to get to the port for your Disney Cruise. You have a bunch of options. You can take your car and park at the port if you live within driving distance. Renting a car is another popular option. Some people opt to Hire a driver and car to get there or use Lyft/Uber. In Europe, it can be easy to take public transportation to the port. You can also use Disney Cruise Transportation to get us to the port.

In the past, we have taken a taxi and used a car rental to get to the port. The easiest way to get to the port is to take the Disney Cruise transportation. We have used the transfers a few times in Port Canaveral and London . Disney usually offers transfers from the airport or hotel (Disney Resort hotels or pre- and post-cruise hotels).

Port Canaveral

We decided to make things easy for our last cruise and take Disney Transportation to and from the port. If you are sailing from Port Canaveral, you have two choices if you take Disney Transportation. You can catch the bus at the airport or at Walt Disney World. Transfers are $39 per person in each direction to and from Port Canaveral, prices are current for August 2022.

Prices are increasing in 2024 to $45 per person in each direction.

We arrived in Orlando two days before our cruise and stayed at Coronado Springs. The day before the cruise, and spent the day at Magic Kingdom and Epcot. When we returned to our room, we had a letter explaining what we needed to do for our bus ride the next day.

Dear Family We hope you’ve enjoyed your Walt Disney World® Resort stay. Below are a few important things to remember as you get ready to embark on an unforgettable voyage with Disney Cruise Line. Bell Services will begin luggage pick-up at 7:00 AM (EST) on the morning of your sailing. Please place the luggage you wish transferred to the ship inside your resort room (with Disney Cruise Line luggage tags attached) near the entrance door. You do not need to be present for your luggage to be collected. Should you need additional Disney Cruise Line luggage tags, they may be obtained at the Bell Services Desk. All Guests with Disney Cruise Line ground transfers are invited to meet with a Disney Cruise Line representative in the Barcelona Lounge located in the lower level of Gran Destino Tower at CoronadoSpring at 8:15 AM (EST) for an 8:45 AM (EST) motorcoach departure. Photo identification for all Guests 16 years of age and older is required to board the motorcoach. Upon check-in at Port Canaveral, if you have completed Online Check-in at www.disneycruise.com, please be prepared to provide proof of citizenship for all members of your party. If you have not completed Online Check-In, you will have until 11:59 PM (EST) the day before embarkation to complete. In order to sail, every Guest must individually create an account associated with their reservations) on the Safe Passage website by Inspire Diagnostics and upload their proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test result. Inspire Diagnostics is Disney Cruise Line’s third-party partner for COVID-19 testing and vaccination verification. A parent or legal guardian will need to use their own account to provide this information on behalf of minors. On the morning of embarkation all Guests will receive an email with a link to complete a health questionnaire prior to arriving at the port. Face coverings are optional for all Guests (ages 2 and up, including those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19) on the motorcoach and in the terminal. It is recommended you bring a day bag to carry with you to Port Canaveral that includes: Port Arrival Form Proof of citizenship and photo identification Valuables, medication, and anything else you may need on the first day of your cruise Any alcohol you plan to bring onboard in accordance with our alcohol policy and must be packed in your carry-on luggage Should you have any questions, please call us at 1-800-395-9374, option 1. Again, we hope you have enjoyed your stay. Bon Voyage and enjoy your cruise!

They came to pick up our luggage around 7:10am. We were told anytime after 7:00am. We met in the Barcelona lounge at 8:15am. At the lounge, a Disney Cruise Line representative approached each party. She checked that we were on the transfer list and checked our passports.

Around 8:45, we headed to the bus and were on the bus by 8:50. We stopped to pick up a couple of people at Caribbean Beach at 9:15. Our driver entertained the bus by playing the Teenage Mutant NinjaTurtles movie from 1990. The bus was not a DCL-themed bus and was missing the usual Disney bus entertainment videos.

Arriving at Port

By 10:10, we had our first glimpse of the Disney Fantasy. When we arrived at the terminal, they separated the guests that still needed to test from those who had uploaded their results. (Note we travelled in August 2022, and the covid rules have since changed, check the know before you go on the DCL website for the latest rules.).

We were at the terminal and off the bus by 10:16. From there, we went into a nearly empty security line. It took only a few minutes to go through. My sister had a cinnamon roll from Magic Kingdom that she had to throw out because it was open (you can’t bring fresh or unsealed packaged foods on the ship). I think we must have been on one of the first buses to arrive at the terminal.

Checking In

After leaving the security area, we headed to the terminal waiting area at 10:30. Our boarding group was #3. The B2B passengers were waiting in the terminal, we were even asked if we were part of the B2B group. You can see how empty the terminal was.

The family sitting next to us was chosen as the family of the day—a bonus for arriving so early. We boarded at 11:50, so it was a bit of a wait, but we were comfortable, and the time went by quickly. While we waited to board, we had a chance to look at the navigator and see what activities were available. You can also find out your dining rotation and when the staterooms will be available.

Transfers Port to Airport

We also booked transfers back to the airport at the end of the cruise. Our flights were not until after 1pm, so we didn’t need to rush off the ship. They will want you off the ship by 9:30. Usually, they will call you to disembark based on the luggage tag you were given last night. On this cruise, they called open disembarkation before we finished breakfast.

We picked up our luggage and went through border control. Once we were through the secure area, we followed the signs to Disney Transfers. There are lots of Castmembers along the way to ask for directions. We boarded to bus around 9:15, and the bus was on its way by 9:30.

Pros of Taking DCL Transfers

• Disney takes care of your luggage
• You arrive at the port early
• You are dropped off inside the secure port area
• Disney knows you are on the bus and will wait for the bus to arrive
• It feels like you have already started your vacation once you are on the bus

Cons of taking DCL Transfers

• The cost, if you are a larger family, the price of the transfers can really add to the cost of the cruise, there may be cheaper options
• It was an early start when they came to get our luggage at the resort. We were excited to get going, so it may not be a con for everyone.

Hopefully, this has given you an idea of what to expect if you take Disney transfers from Port Canaveral. You can read about our experience taking transfers from London and learn more about the current cost of transfers at each port.

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How To Get To Disney’s Cruise Port From Orlando Airport [Updated 2024]

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How do you get to Disney’s Cruise Port from Orlando Airport?

You have booked your cruise and are counting the days until you sail.

Then you realize that you need to work out how to get to Disney’s cruise port from Orlando Airport.

How To Get To Disney’s Cruise Port From Orlando Airport

There are a number of options for transportation from Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral.

Disney cruise terminal in Port Canaveral Florida is a very efficient modern terminal around an hour’s drive from the Orlando International Airport. That is with no traffic. Hit the road at a busy time and it can be a very different story.

Our recommendation is to allow a journey time of at least two and a half hours to be safe from MCO to Port Canaveral.

You would rather be sitting waiting in the Disney Cruise Terminal than in a line of traffic. We always think that it is better to leave extra time rather than make things very stressful for yourself!

If you are arriving the same day as your cruise at the airport always make sure that you have allowed enough time to get to the port. Remember delays often happen with flights.

If at all possible arrive the day before and spend the night either at Orlando International Airport, where there are plenty of good hotel choices.

Or stay in a hotel in Port Canaveral. You can stay very close to the Disney Cruise terminal.

Being close to the port on the morning of the cruise takes a lot of the stress out of things.

All Aboard time is 4.00 pm. If you are not onboard the Disney cruise at that time it will sail without you. So do everything possible to avoid that! Unfortunately, it does happen.

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Disney Cruise Line Airport to Port Transfers

Disney Cruise Line offers efficient bus transportation from Orlando International Airport. This is one of the easiest ways to get to Disney’s Cruise Port from Orlando Airport.

The cost is $39 per person per trip.

That is $78 per person for a round trip. This price is for adults and children. Under 3s are free.

The cost for a family of 4 for a round trip on the Disney Cruise Line bus transportation to the port is $312.

The first bus leaves at 9.30 am and the last one leaves at 1.30 pm.

This is a very easy way to get to the cruise port. However, it is also often one of the most expensive, particularly if you are traveling with more than 2 people.

To book the Disney Cruise bus you can call 800 951 3532. Or you can book it in your Cruise Personalizer online.

Disney Cruise Shuttle from Disney World to Port Canaveral

You can also use the Disney bus transportation option if you are staying at a Walt Disney World Hotel Resort.

The cost is the same at $39 per person for a single trip..

You will get specific instructions when you check in to your Disney Hotel .

The bus takes quite a while to get to the Disney Cruise Port. Usually, the journey time will be around 90 minutes. The reason for this is that the bus may make a number of stops at other Disney Resorts on the way.

If you take a Disney Cruise bus from a Disney World Hotel you will most likely be one of the later guests to arrive in the cruise port. This is a big disadvantage of taking the Disney Cruise Port bus transportation.

We like to get on to the cruise ship as soon as possible. Taking the Disney Cruise bus option is convenient. However, it does mean that you will lose some time on the ship. For some, this isn’t a big deal as the convenience overcomes this issue.

The Disney cruise bus experience is good overall. They play Disney movies on the television so it helps get you in the Disney vacation mood!

Shuttle From Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral

You can also take a shuttle from Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral for your Disney Cruise.

One popular service is with Con Trans Shuttle Service. They have a flat-rate fee of $30 per person for a one-way trip from Orlando International Airport to Port Canaveral.

You can get more details here.

They use small shuttle buses and of course, you will be sharing a ride with other guests.

The price of $30 is pretty tempting though and difficult to beat.

Related Article: Which Other Airports Can I Fly To for a Cruise From Port Canaveral?

Car Rental From Orlando International Airport To Port Canaveral

You may save money by renting a car from Orlando International Airport and making a one-way drop. Shop around for prices which can vary a lot.

Another advantage of renting a car and driving to the Port Canaveral Cruise Port is that you get to control what time you arrive.

Budget and Hertz are the closest to the cruise port. You have to take a shuttle, but we have always found Hertz to be convenient.

However, the rental line at Hertz can get pretty long as everyone arrives at once and it is a small place.

Alamo, National, and Enterprise are all at the same location in Port Canaveral. There is a free shuttle from the port.

All of these companies have on airport car rentals at Orlando International.

Remember to book ahead of time. Particularly when disembarking at the end of your cruise.

The Port Canaveral car rental offices tend to be on the small side so you may not have much of a choice of vehicle if you leave it too late.

Trying to squeeze your luggage and your kids into an economy car is no fun – believe me, I have been there.

Luxury Sedan, Limo, or Private Van Service

This is often the option that we have chosen as it is easier and more economical than Disney transportation, particularly if you have a large party.

We have used Happy Limo and have been pleased with its drivers and prices.

Uber From Orlando International Airport to Port Canaveral Cruise Port

Uber is also a good option if you are a fan of this app-based service. Taking an Uber is one of the cheapest ways of getting to the Disney Cruise Port.

Particularly if you use this little-known tip.

MCO was at first reluctant to allow to pick-up at the Orlando International Airport.

However, they have allowed Uber pickups at MCO since 2017.

Here are the approximate costs which were updated in September 2023.:

Comfort $77

UberX Car Seat $78

Uber XL $89

Uber XL Car Seat $89.58

Comfort Electric $89

Black SUV Car Seat $180

You can also take an Uber from Walt Disney World to the Disney Port Canaveral Cruise Port.

Here are some approximate prices:

UberX Car Seat $82

Uber XL $102.01

Uber XL Car Seat $112.01

Uber Green $78.60

Uber Black $190

Uber Black SUV Car Seat $231.13

We would rather take an Uber from a Disney Hotel as you can leave earlier than the Disney transportation bus. This means you will arrive earlier at the port and be able to get on your Disney ship earlier.

The über option is also cheaper than Disney bus transportation if you have two or more people.

Do you have any tips on how to get to Disney’s Cruise Port From Orlando Airport? Which option do you prefer for transportation from Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral?

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Alison Meacham is the founder of EverythingMouse Disney Blog. For over 15 years she has shared her love of Disney Parks, Disney Cruises and Universal Orlando.  In over 30 years of Disney Travel she has spent countless months in Disney Parks and has sailed on over 45 cruises. A British native and now a United States resident she splits her time between California, Florida and the UK. And spends a serious amount of time sailing the seven seas. She helps over 200,000 people per month follow their Disney travel dreams.

Using Disney Cruise Ground Transportation

If you’re anything like me, the logistics of getting to/from the airport, hotel, and cruise port is a major stress factor . And who wants to start their vacation on a nerve-racking note?

This is why my family and I use the Disney Cruise Line ground transportation options whenever we are cruising with Disney . The Disney shuttles are super easy to book, and they’re totally reliable.

Depending on where you are sailing from, DCL offers shuttles to transfer guests to and from the airport, local hotels, Disney resorts, and the cruise port itself. This service is super easy, and it’s very convenient. Whether you are sailing out of the Miami port or flying into the Orlando International Airport, Disney Cruise Line offers ground transfers for a reasonable cost.

In this post, I’ll detail my family’s experience using DCL ground transportation while comparing the Disney Cruise Line ground transfer process in Miami to that in Port Canaveral .

Transportation Options for Your Cruise

Disney Cruise Line ground transportation is not always the cheapest way to travel, but we find that it’s typically the easiest option . Before we discuss how Disney cruise ground transportation works, let’s discuss the various transportation options you have when cruising.

Taxi or Uber

There are loads of taxi and Uber drivers at both the Miami airport and the Orlando airport who are available to take you to the cruise port. These options usually come at a much cheaper cost than that of the  Disney Cruise Line  ground transfers.

However, families with small children may have a difficult time securing a vehicle with car seats for their little ones. If you choose to travel with your own car seats, it’s important to keep in mind that you will need to store them in your cruise cabin throughout the duration of your cruise.

Families could book a rental car for their cruise vacation, but those with small children would still need to organize car seats for the trip . Many rental companies offer car seats for an additional fee if you don’t want to lug your own car seats through the airport to use in the rental car.

If you choose to rent a car and park it at the cruise terminal, you will want to add the additional charge for this onto your cruise budget.

Each cruise port has its own fees for using the parking lot, so the charge for this will depend on where you are departing for your cruise. At the time of this post, the Port Canaveral Cruise Terminals charge $17 per day in parking fees to park your vehicle. You can find the full list of cruise ports with parking information here .

Private Transfers

Many cruisers opt to hire private town cars to transport them from the airport or hotel to the cruise terminal. Private transfer companies located at each cruise port will have options to pick you up on your cruise departure day and at the end of your cruise. This is a great option for those traveling in a large party or for those who prefer private transportation.

Disney Cruise Shuttle

Although it may not be the most budget-friendly option, my family and I like to use the Disney bus to transport us to the Disney Cruise Line terminal due to the simplicity of the process . Those traveling with small kids who need car seats will be pleased to know that the Disney Cruise Line shuttle bus does not require car seats onboard.

This is probably the biggest benefit for us, and it’s the main reason we like to use Disney cruise ground transportation. Another perk of using DCL transfers is that they handle your luggage for you if you book your pre-cruise hotel stay through Disney Cruise Line. Both in Orlando and in Miami, you can leave your bags inside your hotel room on embarkation day .

Your bags will then be placed on the Disney Cruise Line bus and taken to the port for you. We will explain more about this process below.

DCL Transportation Cost

The cost for Disney Cruise Line ground transportation differs depending on the city where you embark. It is super easy to add the transfers to your reservation , and DCL will just charge your Disney cruise account. If you booked the Disney cruise yourself, you just call Disney Cruise Line to add ground transfers to your reservation.

If you booked your cruise through a travel agent, your agent would need to contact Disney Cruise Line to add transfers for you. Children under age three are free. So, you don’t need to include your infant or toddler when budgeting for your transportation costs.

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The cost of the Disney Cruise Line ground transportation depends on the port from which your cruise is departing and arriving. For example, Disney’s Port Canaveral shuttle service from the Orlando, Florida airport costs roughly $39 per person each way at the time of this writing.

The cost of the Disney ground transportation in Miami works a bit differently . On our most recent cruise from Miami, we chose to have Disney Cruise Line pick us up from the airport and drive us to our Miami hotel , which we had also booked through Disney. In addition, we opted to hire Disney cruise transfers to pick us up from this hotel the morning of the cruise to transport us to the Port of Miami

Finally, we scheduled the Disney Cruise Line ground transfers AFTER our cruise to take us back to Miami International Airport from the Miami cruise port. Each leg of these Miami transfers cost us $21 per person. In other words, the total cost for us (per person) to use Disney transfers in Miami was $63:

• $21 from Miami airport to our hotel
• $21 from the hotel to Port of Miami
• $21 from Port of Miami to Miami International Airport

You do not have to book all three transfer options though. If you only need a ride to the airport after the cruise, that’s completely doable! Also, if you are sailing out of a city other than Port Canaveral or Miami, this list shows transportation prices for all departure ports.

Disney Cruise Transportation from MCO

If you are cruising out of Port Canaveral, you can board the Disney Cruise transfer right at the Orlando International Airport (MCO). This is especially easy if you stay at the Hyatt inside the Orlando airport as you can simply walk down to the DCL shuttle area the morning of your cruise.

Once at the Disney Cruise Line ground transportation station in the airport, you can stand in line to check-in and board the Disney Cruise bus to Port Canaveral. We like to get down to the check in area early, and the process is usually well-organized.

You’ll see Disney Cruise shuttle buses pulling up to the check-in area after dropping off cruisers who had just disembarked. Once a bus has been filled with passengers, it leaves the airport to head to the cruise port. We usually see another bus ready to be filled as soon as ours pulls away. So, you shouldn’t have too much time to wait between buses.

At the end of your cruise vacation, cast members will guide you toward the Disney bus at the Port Canaveral Terminal. It drops you off in the same Disney shuttle area at the Orlando airport.

Disney Shuttle in Miami

On our last cruise out of Miami, we had a choice of two different Disney recommended hotels.

• EB Hotel – Guests utilize the hotel (not Disney) shuttle from the airport to the hotel. The morning of the cruise, guests take the hotel shuttle back to the airport where they can board the Disney Cruise bus.
• Four Seasons Hotel – Guests are picked up at the airport by a private driver and taken to the hotel. The morning of the cruise, guests are picked up by the Disney bus at the Four Seasons Hotel.

My family and I opted to stay at the Four Seasons, so I will detail the transfer experience we had at this hotel.

From Miami Airport

Prior to leaving for our trip, we received instructions stating that we should grab our bags from baggage claim after landing at Miami International Airport. The instructions said to look for a Disney Cruise Line representative near the baggage claim area.

Luckily, this turned out to be a super simple process. Right after our plane landed, I realized I had a text message from our driver . His message stated that he would be standing at our luggage carousel waiting for us. He also included a photo of himself , so we knew who to look for.

We walked over to the baggage claim area and immediately saw our driver holding a sign with our last name on it. The driver helped my husband grab our suitcases off the baggage claim belt and then escorted us to the vehicle. He was driving a large Lincoln Navigator, and he had two car seats for my kids .

He also provided cold water bottles for us on our drive to the hotel. Our driver took us to the Four Seasons Hotel, which was about a fifteen-minute drive from the Miami airport.

To Port of Miami

When checking into the Four Seasons, you are typically given a letter about their Disney cruise shuttle service for the following day (embarkation day). For some reason, Disney didn’t have a representative at the hotel to give us this information on the afternoon we arrived.

Because of this, we weren’t really sure what time our bags needed to be ready or what time the bus would pick us up the next morning. My husband ended up going down to the lobby of the hotel in the morning to find a DCL transfer representative.

She informed us that our bags needed to be ready for bell services to pick up by 9:30 am . We were then supposed to meet on the main floor of the hotel at 11:00 to board the Disney Cruise Line bus .

We attached our luggage tags to our bags and set them inside our hotel room door. I also included a few dollar bills as a tip for the bellman. The bellman, who was a huge help during our entire stay, arrived right at 9:30 to grab our bags. I told him I was really nervous about our luggage NOT making it to the ship.

Since our Disney ground transportation information had been pretty unorganized, I was afraid our bags would get lost. The bellman assured me that he would take our bags down to the lobby and personally place them on the shuttle once it arrived. This made me feel so much better!

For some reason, I had thought that our bags would be on a different vehicle. Knowing they would be on the motor coach with us helped give me peace of mind! We were scheduled to leave for the port at 11:15, but we ended up boarding the bus and leaving at around 11:00.

There was only one other family taking the transfer shuttle with us, so we had a giant bus basically to ourselves. The drive from the hotel to the Port of Miami took about 15 minutes as traffic in Miami was crazy ! Christmas music played in the background on the bus during our ride to port, which really set the mood for our upcoming MerryTime Cruise.

TIP- Sit on the left side of the bus to get a better view of the ship as you get closer to port. This is also true for Port Canaveral!

The bus pulled up right beside the main door to the Miami terminal. We thanked and tipped our driver as we exited the bus. He unloaded our luggage and put our bags on the sidewalk at the port. A porter was standing near our bags, and he told us he would take care of them. We tipped him a few dollars for this as well.

Insider Tip- Make sure you add $1 bills to your packing list . I brought a lot with us for tipping, but I seemed to need even more than I had planned.

Ground Transportation after Cruise

After we disembarked the cruise ship and passed through U.S. customs, we exited the Miami cruise terminal. There were several employees directing passengers on exactly where to go. Disney had at least five shuttle buses lined up to take guests back to Miami International Airport.

We gave our luggage to the driver to place on the bus, and then we found our seats. The ride to the airport took about 20 minutes. It was pouring rain, so the weather may have caused our commute to take longer than it normally would have.

The motor coach driver dropped us off at the airport. We headed to the Delta desk to check our luggage. It was quite a hike from where we were dropped off to our check-in desk, so be prepared for that!

Final Thoughts on Disney Cruise Transfers

Overall, we tend to have great experiences with Disney Cruise Line ground transfers. Since car seats are in our foreseeable future, I expect to continue to utilize the DCL buses for the ease of travel.

You just can’t beat the peace of mind you get when Disney is in charge of your family’s transportation. We have used the Disney Cruise ground transportation in both Port Canaveral and Miami, and we have always been very pleased with our experiences.

What about you? Have you used Disney Cruise ground transportation? Comment below to let me know if your experience was similar to ours!

Shari is an experienced planner and organizer for Disney vacations, cruising, and U.S. travel. Her family vacation information, reviews, and tips provide insight for moms and dads everywhere. You can read more about her story, including her journey through breast cancer, in the about me page.

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11 comments.

How often does the DCL ground transportation leave the Orlando International airport to Cape Canaveral?

I’m not exactly sure how often they leave the airport, but I’ll provide input based on what my family and I have experienced. When we loaded the first Disney Cruise Line bus at the airport, there were additional buses already there. I can’t remember how long it took us to load, but I want to say around 15-20 minutes. Once our bus was full, they started loading the second bus as we pulled away. Assuming this process took the same amount of time, I would guess that they typically leave every 20 minutes. Hope that helps and that you have a great trip!

HI! How does the Disney cruise line transportation work with scheduled port arrival times chosen on check in day?

If you purchased the Disney Cruise Line ground transportation, you will not have a set port arrival time. Instead, you will be permitted to check in at the port once your Disney shuttle arrives. Hope you have a great trip!

Was there a wait for the Disney transportation from the airport to the Four Seasons? Or was it waiting for you when you arrived at the airport?

We didn’t have to wait at all for our transportation at the airport. I think the drivers track the incoming flight status so that they are at the airport before you arrive. I had a text message from the driver as soon as we landed saying that he was at baggage claim. Once my family and I arrived at baggage claim, the driver greeted us, helped us grab our bags, and led us right outside to the vehicle.

When using Disney transportation in Miami is the bus that picks you up a Disney Cruise Line bus (like you see in Port Canaveral) or just a regular motor coach? Thanks so much!!

The Miami transportation isn’t the same Disney Cruise Line bus that you find at Port Canaveral. Our shuttle from the airport was actually a Chevy Suburban. The bus that picked us up from the hotel was a large motor coach, but it didn’t have any Disney logos on it. Hope that helps!

Thanks so much! Exactly what I was wanting to know.

This post literally saved me! TYSM for sharing!

Haha! I’m so glad you liked the post! For some reason, organizing ground transportation stresses me out more than any other part of the planning process. I hope your vacation runs smoothly and that you have a great time!

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DCL & Other Ground Transportation

Official DCL Link to Air and Ground Transportation:  https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/guest-services/air-ground-transportation/

Orlando Ground Transfers

Direct motor coach transfers from Orlando International Airport to Port Canaveral are available to purchase for Guests who arranged independent flights. The recommended flight arrival time is before 1:45 p.m.

For Guests departing from Orlando International Airport following their cruise, the recommended flight departure time is on or after 11:30 a.m.

For Guests with pre- or post-night stays, transfers to/from the airport, the Walt Disney World® Resort and Port Canaveral can also be purchased.

(Available with most Walt Disney World Resort Hotels.)

Motor coach transfer cost, per person 3 years and older:

Private transportation arrangements (limousines, vans, town cars or private motor coach) can be requested up to two weeks prior to vacation commencement.

Barcelona Ground Transfers

Direct motor coach transfers from Barcelona International Airport to the Port of Barcelona are available to purchase for Guests who arranged independent flights. The recommended flight arrival time is before 1:15 p.m.

For Guests departing from Barcelona International Airport following their cruise, the recommended flight departure time is on or after 12:30 p.m..

Transfers from the airport to one of the select Barcelona hotels are only available to Guests who purchase post-nights through Disney Cruise Line.

Copenhagen Ground Transfers

Direct motor coach transfers from Copenhagen Airport to the Port of Copenhagen are available to purchase for Guests who arranged independent flights. The recommended flight arrival time is before 1:00 p.m. For Guests departing from Copenhagen Airport following their cruise, the recommended flight departure time is on or after 12:30 p.m.

Dover Ground Transfers

Direct motor coach transfers from the London Gatwick or Heathrow International Airport to the Port of Dover are available to purchase for Guests who arranged independent flights. The recommended flight arrival time is before 11:15 a.m.

For Guests departing from London Gatwick or Heathrow International Airport following their cruise, the recommended flight departure time is on or after 3:15 p.m.

Houston Ground Transfers

Transfers from Bush Intercontinental Airport to one of the select Houston hotels are only available to Guests who purchase pre- or post-nights through Disney Cruise Line.

For Guests departing from the Bush Intercontinental Airport following their cruise, the recommended flight departure time is on or after 1:30 p.m.

Motor coach transfer cost per person 3 years and older:

Los Angeles Ground Transfers

Direct motor coach transfers from Los Angeles International Airport to the World Cruise Terminal are available to purchase for Guests who arranged independent flights. The recommended flight arrival time is before 12:00 p.m.

Transfers to the cruise terminal from the three official hotels of the Disneyland® Resort or the Los Angeles Airport Marriott are available.

Note: At this time, pre- or post-nights at the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort must be arranged independently and cannot be purchased through Disney Cruise Line. Guests are also responsible for arranging the transportation to/from their hotel and the Los Angeles Airport at their own expense.

For Guests departing from the Los Angeles International Airport following their cruise, the recommended flight departure time is on or after 1:00 p.m.

*Guests must make independent arrangements for their transportation from the airport to their Disneyland Resort Hotel. **Guests will take a courtesy shuttle between the hotel and the airport. Private transportation arrangements (limousines, vans, town cars or private motor coach) can be requested up to two weeks prior to vacation commencement.

Miami Ground Transfers

Direct motor coach transfers from Miami International Airport to the Port of Miami are available to purchase for Guests who arranged independent flights. The recommended flight arrival time is before 1:45 p.m.

For Guests departing from Miami International Airport following their cruise, the recommended flight departure time is on or after 12:00 p.m.

San Diego Ground Transfers

Direct motor coach transfers from San Diego International Airport to the Port of San Diego are available to purchase for Guests who arranged independent flights. The recommended flight arrival time is before 2:00 p.m.

For Guests departing from San Diego International Airport following their cruise, the recommended flight departure time is on or after 11:30 a.m.

San Juan Ground Transfers

Direct motor coach transfers from Luis Munoz Marin International Airport to the Port of San Juan are available to purchase for Guests who arranged independent flights. The recommended flight arrival time is before 6:30 p.m.

For Guests departing from Luis Munoz Marin International Airport following their cruise, the recommended flight departure time is on or after 11:30 a.m.

Vancouver Ground Transfers

Direct motor coach transfers from Vancouver International Airport to the Port of Vancouver are available to purchase for Guests who arranged independent flights. The recommended flight arrival time is before 1:00 p.m.

For Guests departing from Vancouver International Airport following their cruise, the recommended flight departure time is on or after 12:00 p.m.

Transfers from the airport to one of the select Vancouver hotels are only available to Guests who purchase post-nights through Disney Cruise Line.

*For Guests staying at the Fairmont Waterfront hotel, the Resort to Port transfer is a luggage only transfer, due to the close proximity of the hotel to the port. Private transportation arrangements (limousines, vans, town cars or private motor coach) can be requested up to two weeks prior to vacation commencement.

Venice Ground Transfers

Direct motor coach transfers from Marco Polo International Airport to the Port of Venice are available to purchase for Guests who arranged independent flights. The recommended flight arrival time is before 1:30 p.m.

For Guests departing from Marco Polo International Airport following their cruise, the recommended flight departure time is on or after 10:45 a.m.

OTHER Transportation Services

Note: The services below are DCG Admin -approved and -used.

Private Orlando Airport (MCO) to PC transportation services Black Diamond (mention Mark Kechula’s your agent for a discount) Happy Limo Mears Global Note: Also serves most Continental US, San Juan, Vancouver, etc. TownCarNow.com

Miami and Ft Lauderdale Tours, KSA Tours Shuttle and Transportation Services http://ksatours.com/index.php Mears Global Note: Also serves most Continental US, San Juan, Vancouver, etc.

Spain Airport Shuttle Services http://www.aerocity.com/en/airport-shuttle Blacklane (https://www.blacklane.com/en/) Note: Also serves much of Europe

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Disney Cruise Line Transportation Options

Whether you arrive by airplane, train, or automobile, guests must still consider transportation options when planning a cruise. Drivers will need to park for the duration of the voyage. Those flying or taking a train will need to get to the cruise port. Depending on the port your cruise sails from, there can be several Disney Cruise Line transportation options available.

Listed below are options for Disney Cruise Line Transportation Options for Port Canaveral .

Auto Rental Companies Driving/Parking at Port Canaveral Shuttles Public Transportation Limousine and Towncar Services Taxi Companies Ride Share

Auto Rental

Guests may choose to rent a car from the airport and drop it at a location at the port. Car rental gives lots of options for side trips or staying at a hotel before or after the cruise. Keep in mind that there may be parking fees at hotels and will be fees at the port if you choose this option.

Automobile Rental Companies at Orlando International Airport and Port Canaveral

Alamo – MCO (Inside Orlando International Airport) 888-826-6893 / 407-855-4170 – Port Canaveral 888-826-6893

Avis – MCO (Inside Orlando International Airport) 888-849-0277 / 407-825-3700 – Port Canaveral (6650 N. Atlantic Ave., Cape Canaveral, FL 32920) 888-849-0277 / 321-783-3643

Enterprise – MCO (Inside Orlando International Airport) 800-325-8007 / 407-281-3555 – Port Canaveral (6211 N. Atlantic Ave., Cape Canaveral, FL 32920) 800-325-8007 / 321-866-0324

Hertz – MCO (Inside Orlando International Airport) 800-654-3131 / 407-859-8400 – Port Canaveral (8963 Astronaut Blvd., Cape Canaveral, FL32920) 800-654-3131 / 321-783-7771

National – MCO (Inside Orlando International Airport) 888-826-6890 / 407-855-4170 – Port Canaveral (6211 N. Atlantic Ave., Cape Canaveral, FL 32920) 888-826-6890 / 321-866-0324

Thrifty – MCO (Inside Orlando International Airport) 800-367-2277 / 407-380-1002 – Port Canaveral (6799 N. Atlantic Ave., Cape Canaveral, FL 32920) 800-367-2277 / 321-783-2600

Driving/Parking at Port Canaveral

Driving to Port Canaveral

From the Walt Disney World Resort: Take I-4 east or 417 east to State Road 528 east (Beeline Expressway). Continue on State Road 528 over the Indian River and the Banana River. Turn right onto State Road 401, which will loop and head north over the channel locks. Stay in the right-hand lane and follow the signs to Cruise Terminal 8.

From Orlando International Airport: Take State Road 528 east (Beeline Expressway). Continue on State Road 528 over the Indian River and the Banana River. Turn right onto State Road 401, which will loop and head north over the channel locks. Stay in the right-hand lane and follow the signs to Cruise Terminal 8.

Parking at Port Canaveral

The Canaveral Port Authority operates the parking facility. Major credit cards – MasterCard, Visa, Discover and American Express, are the only acceptable forms of payment. Personal checks or cash will not be accepted.  EPASS and SunPass accepted Only at the Cruise Terminal 3 parking garage.  Parking is $17.00 per day plus tax for vehicles & RVs, including day of arrival and day of departure.

Disabled Parking spaces are available, and the fee is waived for vehicles transporting certain persons who have disabilities that:

• Have special equipment, such as ramps, lifts, foot or hand controls for use by a disabled person OR
• Display a Florida Toll Exemption Permit as explained in s. 316.1964, Florida Statutes OR
• Display a Florida Disabled Veteran (DV) license plate issued under s. 320.084; s. 320.0842; or s. 320.0845, Florida Statutes.

Some local hotels may also offer packages which include parking and/or transportation to the Port. If you are interested in this option, please contact your travel counselor for more details.

Shuttle Companies

Many shuttle companies service the Port Canaveral Area. Consult the airport or yellow pages for other shuttle companies in the area.

Limousine and Towncar Services

Several reputable limousine/town car service companies operate between the Orlando area and Port Canaveral.  This is often a better value than shuttle service if you are traveling in a party of 4 or more.  Check with the town car service company to be sure you know what is included or not included.  Some companies include a short stop at a location of your choice for you to pick up necessities before you reach your destination, while other companies offer the service at an additional charge.  Same goes with infant/toddler car seats, etc.  Some companies automatically charge gratuity while others leave it to you to decide how much to tip the driver.  Check and compare different companies before you decide who to hire.

Public Transportation

Below is public transportation information for service in the Port Canaveral Area. Public Transportation will not get a guest from Orlando International Airport to Port Canaveral, but if guests are staying the area, there is public transportation. The transit website gives detailed information regarding available options.

321-633-1878

Space Coast Commuter Assistance

321-952-4563

Taxi Companies

Several taxi companies service the Port Canaveral area. While it may be possible to take a taxi from outside of the Port Canaveral area, it may not be the most cost-effective.

Both Uber and Lift drivers are available near the ports, as well as in Orlando, and many other nearby cities. Utilizing a ride share option does allow you to get to the port at the time you’re wanting to arrive, however depending on what size car you need, it might be just as cost effective to rent a car and drive it yourself. Pricing tends to range from $70 for a basic rideshare vehicle (add about $5 for a vehicle with a car seat) up to about $150 for a more deluxe ride.

Make sure you download the respective app of the rideshare service you are looking to use before arriving for your vacation and go through the registration process, so you’ll be ready to go when it’s time to go.

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Transportation Options for Getting to Port Canaveral for your Disney Cruise

You’ve booked your Disney Cruise and are looking forward to your vacation. Now, how are you going to get to the port? Listed below are different methods of transportation for passengers headed to Port Canaveral.

FLYING INTO ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

The Disney Cruise Line Air Program offers two convenient options to suit your vacation plans.

• Flexible Fares  provide the convenience of customizing your flight schedule, with an extended payment and cancellation option.
• Restricted Fares  let you confirm the best available non-refundable, airline-published airfare offered by Disney Cruise Line at the time of booking, while still receiving the peace of mind of booking your flights with the Disney Cruise Line Air Program.

Depending on your point of origin, we recommend flying in the day prior to your cruise departure. This removes the worry of missing the ship’s sailing if there are flight delays.

There are a number of sites for checking airline fares, including Travelocity, Expedia, Orbitz, Priceline, Kayak, and Yapta. On most travel sites, you can sign up to be alerted when discount fares are available. You should also check the official airline website because you might get better pricing and flight times by booking directly with the airline.

Keep checking on your flight even after it’s booked. Airlines are known to change flight numbers and times. They are supposed to contact you when they make changes, but you need to be proactive in case they don’t. The sooner you notice a change the sooner you can contact the airline if this change doesn’t work for you. Before calling, check the airline’s website to see what your new options for flights might be. Don’t wait for them to suggest something. Tell them the option that works best for you. In addition, you might find that your fare has decreased.

If you’re flying in on embarkation day, you need to make sure that you leave enough time to get to the ship. Final boarding is at 4:00 p.m. and no one is allowed to board after that time. The port is approximately an hour’s drive from the Orlando airport, but you’ll also need to factor in the time it will take to get your luggage and to get to your transportation. Morning flight arrivals are recommended.

Disney recommends on departure day that you not book a flight before 11:30 a.m. There are times when the ship is delayed at the port and you run the risk of missing your flight. Rushing to get to the airport is not the way to end your Disney cruise vacation.

DRIVING YOUR OWN VEHICLE

If you are driving, you’ll need to park your vehicle near or at the port. One option is to arrive a day early and park at your hotel for the duration of the cruise. Most of the hotels in the area will provide shuttles to the port. Even factoring in the cost of the hotel stay, you may be able to save money this way, as opposed to parking at the port. As we noted above, we recommend flying in a day early so you’re not worried about making it to the ship on time. Rushing to the terminal is no way to start a relaxing cruise vacation.

Parking at Port Canaveral currently runs between $68 for a 3-night cruise and $136 for a 7-night cruise, but prices are subject to change at any time and updated details can be found on the  Port Canaveral website . You are required to pay as you enter the lot.

There are also off-site parking lots available, which offer shuttles back to the port. One thing to consider with any option that requires a shuttle is the additional cost of tips, plus the additional time that will add to your embarkation/debarkation process. Since you will have your own car, you may not be on as tight of a schedule as if you were flying, so that option may work out well for you.

The second option for getting to Port Canaveral would be to rent a car. You might want to make some stops between the airport and the port, or maybe you’ve had a rental car during the Disney World portion of your vacation. No matter the reason, a rental car can be a great option. If you will be keeping the car to use again at the end of your cruise, you can look into the various parking options mentioned above. Or, you can return the car to one of the rental car agencies near the port and take a shuttle back to the terminal. If you need a car after your cruise, the car rental agencies have shuttles near customs that you can take to their office to rent your car.

LIMO/TOWN CAR SERVICES

While this might seem like more of a luxury, if you have a bigger group it can actually be a really economical option. We recommend  FL Tours , a sponsor on our sister site, wdwinfo.com . We have found them to be reliable and very convenient.

In addition to limos (seat 6-8) and town cars (seat 4), vans (seat 10) are also available. We recommend using a van when traveling with more than one family. The vans have plenty of room and by the time you split the cost between everyone in the group, it’s fairly inexpensive. One thing to remember when choosing the type of vehicle is the amount of luggage you will be bringing. One other great thing about using a town car company instead of renting a car is that car seats are often free of charge. With a rental car, you can pay up to $50 per car seat, so this can be a large savings for a family with multiple children needing car seats.

The convenience of a town car service can’t be beat. The car will pick you up right at the door of your hotel, cruise ship, or airport. The driver will help you with your luggage and with some companies, you may even be able to schedule a grocery store stop for supplies.

DISNEY CRUISE LINE TRANSFERS

Ground transfers between Orlando International Airport and Port Canaveral are available for purchase. Airport transfers are available on embarkation and debarkation days only, for the cost of $39 per guest (subject to change at any time) . Guests can call (800) 951-3532 to add ground transfers in advance, as only a limited number may be available for purchase upon arrival. You can also reach out to your Dreams Unlimited Travel agent. Private transportation options are also available.

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Bringing a child to Walt Disney World: Costs to consider and tips for your travels

What is the cost of bringing your children to disney.

Are Disney CEO Bob Iger's troubles now behind him?

'The Claman Countdown' panelists Robbie Whelan and Kenneth Leon break down Disney's battle against Trian Partners.

Is it worth it taking young children to Disney?

After all, it's an expensive vacation. Even so, many choose to take their toddlers, even babies, to Disney. But why?

There are actually lots of reasons to bring your baby or toddler to Disney. Cost wise, the younger your child is, the more cost-effective the vacation.

Are you thinking of taking your children to Disney? Consider these costs when planning your trip.  (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images / Getty Images)

TIANA'S BAYOU ADVENTURE OPENING DATE SET FOR WALT DISNEY WORLD

Below are some big factors to keep in mind when taking a young child to Disney and tips to help your vacation go smoothly. 

• Ticket prices
• Where to stay
• The cost of food
• What can babies and toddlers do at Disney?
• Tips for your trip

1. Ticket prices

The ticket prices at Disney are steep, except for babies, that is. 

Those under three years old can gain admission to Disney for free. That is one huge perk of taking your baby to the parks. Once they hit three, you'll have to pay for their ticket. 

The price of tickets depends on many different factors, including how long you're visiting and whether you're purchasing a one-park per day ticket or a hopper ticket, which allows you to move from park-to-park throughout the day, rather than staying in one location. 

Those under the age of three don't need a ticket to get into Walt Disney World.  (Octavio Jones/Getty Images / Getty Images)

The price of a children's ticket and an adult ticket only vary slightly, so taking your kids younger than three is definitely a huge price saver. 

2. Where to stay

Especially when traveling with children, the best place you can stay on a budget is at one of Disney's value resorts .

MEET DISNEY'S NEWLY ELECTED BOARD 

Disney separates its on-site resorts into three main categories; value, moderate and deluxe. 

The value resorts at Disney offer many of the same perks as the moderate and deluxe resorts, but at a lower cost. 

Value resorts have transportation for guests to and from the parks, pools to take a relaxing dip, food courts to grab a bite to eat and Disney-themed rooms perfect for children. 

When traveling with young kids, staying at an on-site property is extremely helpful. If you need to go to the resort with your kids to take a nap or cool down by the pool, you can quickly get to the hotel and then go back to the parks to enjoy the rest of your day. 

Staying at one of Disney's value resorts provides close access to the parks and other perks for a low cost.  (Matt Stroshane/Getty Images / Getty Images)

There are five value resorts you can choose from at Disney. The options are Disney's Pop Century Resort, All-Star Music Resort, All-Star Movies Resort, All-Star Sports Resort and Art of Animation Resort. 

3. The cost of food

Food can be a huge expense on any vacation. 

No matter how old your kids are, one of the best ways you can save on the cost of food is by bringing your own. 

For breakfast, have items like cereal, milk and fruit in your room to have before you head out for the day. 

You can also pack food with you to take into the parks, so you don't have to buy all your meals there. 

WHAT TO PACK IN YOUR BACKPACK FOR A TRIP TO THE AMUSEMENT PARK 

When you are traveling on a budget, try to limit going out to eat to once per day. For other meals and snacks, pack food with you to save money. 

If you're traveling by plane to Disney, it likely doesn't make sense to rent a car, since Disney resorts provide transportation to and from the park for guests. If you don't have a car, you can get your groceries delivered right to your hotel to use throughout your trip. 

Also, don't forget that children under three eat free at select buffets and family-style venues at Disney. 

4. What can babies and toddlers do at Disney?

Do not worry about babies and toddlers not having enough to do at Disney. Disney's four parks, plus two water parks, have many rides with no height requirements. If there is no height requirement for a ride, your little one can ride with you. 

Magic Kingdom in particular is full of kid-friendly rides. Some include Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Haunted Mansion, "it's a small world," Jungle Cruise, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Peter Pan's Flight and Pirates of the Caribbean. 

There is no shortage of rides for young children at Disney World.  (Matt Stroshane/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

At Epcot, there is no height requirement for Journey Into Imagination With Figment, Living with the Land, Remy's Ratatouille Adventure, Frozen Ever After, The Seas with Nemo & Friends and more. 

At Hollywood Studies, Toy Story Mania, Star Wars Launch Bay and Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway are among the rides with no height requirement. 

Lastly, over at Animal Kingdom, young kids will love rides like Festival of the Lion King, Kilimanjaro Safaris and more. 

THEME PARK DAY PASSES: TIPS AND TRICKS FOR MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR PURCHASE 

Don't forget Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, the two water parks at Disney, where there are plenty of places for kids to cool down and splash around. 

For most of the rides that you can take babies on, they can be held on your lap. 

Of course, there are also plenty of shows and character experiences young kids will love at Disney. 

Disney also has the rider switch for many attractions. How the rider switch works is if guests in a party are at the park with their young child or children who can't ride a certain attraction or don't want to, the non-riders and riders can all wait in line together. Then, once they reach the front, the riders can take turns riding while someone else in the party waits with the non-riders.

Another thing to keep in mind with young children at Disney is that each park is equipped with a baby care center, with nursing stations and changing rooms, as well as necessities for sale that you may need, like formula or diapers.

5. Tips for your trip

Even though it will be an extra cost, one helpful tip is to rent a stroller while you're visiting. At the time of writing, a single-day rental of a single stroller is $15 and a multi-day rental is $13 per day. 

For a double stroller, the single-day cost is $15 per day and the multi-day rental is $13 per day. 

If you are traveling with young children, don't plan too much on a daily basis. Be flexible with your plans and take breaks when needed.  (iStock / iStock)

Although this is an expense, it can be extremely helpful to not have to worry about packing one with you. 

One thing you can pack with you is a carrier if traveling with a baby . That way, you have an alternate way of carrying them with you if they get fussy in the stroller. 

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Another tip for taking young kids to Disney is planning breaks. Especially in the summer, it can get really hot in Florida. Plan on spending a few hours in the park and heading back to your hotel to allow everyone to recharge. 

Lastly, be flexible. You can't plan each day with kids. You may have to take a break sooner than expected. You may not get on all the rides you wanted to. Be flexible with your plans and enjoy each day as it comes. 

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For the Wish, I purchased the round trip ground transportation. After the cruise, we’re staying a few days at Disney World rather than flying home. Will our transportation take us to our resort from Port Canaveral? Do I specify that at check-in? ”

• When you're logged in to the Disney Cruise Line website, be sure to check your upcoming Reservation to confirm whether it displays that you have booked ground transportation, and you'll also have the opportunity to make sure you indicate where you'll be heading following the voyage as you complete the Online Check-In process.
• You'll receive a Key to the World Card on Embarkation Day which has useful information on it including your name, your assigned Muster station, Castaway Club status, dinner seating and rotation as well as a special area currently found on the right-hand side under your sailing dates designated for Cast Members to be able to see whether you have Ground Transportation reserved. On our recent cruise for example, we found the letters " PR " on our Key to the World Cards which meant that we had booked transportation to the Port (" P ") as well as our Disney Resort Hotel (" R ").
• On Debarkation Day as we left the Disney Wish and exited the terminal building, we simply followed the signage that led out to the waiting buses that were seemingly assigned to more than one Disney Resort Hotel, based on the way that fellow guests were sorted to board. The Cast Members greeting us on the way to the buses all checked our Key to the World Cards and asked where we were heading to and that seemed to be all that was required to board! 
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Alcohol on Disney Cruise Ships: Everything you need to know

P eople take cruises for lots of different reasons. Sometimes they want an easy way to travel to new destinations. Sometimes they just want a vacation. And sometimes that vacation may or may not include alcohol. Since Disney Cruise line does things a little differently than other cruise lines when it comes to drinking, it can be a little confusing. Here’s everything you need to know about alcohol on Disney Cruise Ships!

Disney Cruise Line Does Not Have Drink Packages

First and foremost: Disney Cruise Line does not offer drink packages. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser, or a newbie, the words Drink Packages are something you’ve likely heard before. Disney does not offer any type of drink package. Most likely because they are generally considered a family cruise. And they probably don’t want to earn the reputation some cruise lines have as being party boats. Plus generally, it makes for less issues overall when most of your guests are at least slightly sober. 

They do sell alcohol though, and at plenty of places around the ship. You just have to pay for each drink separately. Drinking on a Disney Cruise can get expensive. So we are going to share everything you need to know about alcohol on a Disney Cruise so you can plan accordingly if you choose to drink. 

You can bring your own alcohol on a Disney Cruise 

Disney Cruise Line guests can bring up to two bottles of unopened wine or champagne or 6 beers onboard. You must be 21 years or older to do this. And it must be packed in your carryon luggage. Under no circumstances should you pack this in your checked luggage- they’ll take it out and you won’t be reimbursed for it.

Being able to bring your own alcohol onboard means you can save a good chunk of money on drinks. Especially if you’re someone who has a specific type of wine or beer you like. Or if you’re someone who likes to start your day with mimosas. Just grab some orange juice from the upper decks and voila! 

You can read Disney’s full alcohol policy here .

Save money on alcohol with Happy Hour Specials on Disney Cruise

In recent years, many of Disney’s ships have started offering Happy Hour Specials. Now these are never guaranteed, but on our last 3 Disney Cruises, we saw them pretty often. You can generally expect to save anywhere from 30-50% off drinks during happy hour on a Disneycruise, so this can save you a good amount of cash. You can find these deals in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App, and sometimes they’ll also announce them on the morning show if you watch that in your stateroom. 

The Drink of the Day will cost you just $5

Disney offers a drink of the day each day you’re onboard. And they just cost $5. Many times, these drinks are a little “watered down” if you will, so they aren’t going to be top shelf or anything like that. But if you’re just looking for a drink without blowing the budget, they’re a good option. The drink changes each day, so you can try something new each time. They also offer a non-alcoholic drink each day as well, so it’s a great way o save money on drinks for everyone. 

And the best part is that you can also get the drink of the day on Castaway Cay . So if sitting on the beach with a drink in hand is on your Disney Cruise Vacation to do list, you can also enjoy discounted adult beverages here. You can find the drink of the day in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App by scrolling all the way to the bottom of the home page. And you’ll find it featured there. 

The Refillable Beer Mug can save you money

If you’re a beer drinker who plans to drink beer on your Disney Cruise, you should consider the refillable beer mug. You can buy this from the onboard gifts and amenities page before your cruise, or you can buy it once onboard. The refillable mug is 21 ounces, and it allows you to get refills for the price of a 16 oz. This includes beers and hard ciders onboard. And if you don’t want to lug around the hefty 21 oz glass, you can also ask the bartender to exchange it for a token that you can redeem next time you’d like a refill. This is a great way to save money if you plan to drink beer or hard cider onboard. 

The Drinking Age is (sort of) different overseas on a Disney Cruise 

Sailing out of ports in Europe and Australia can be a little different than sailing from the US. If you’re sailing from a port in Europe or Australia (or any international port for that matter), the drinking age is flexible. By that, I mean technically, Disney Cruise Line’s drinking age is always 21. But when sailing from an international port with a different drinking age, guests can sign a waiver to be allowed to drink at the age of 18. This usually does need to be signed by a parent or guardian. And comes with a few restrictions.

Generally, the parent or guardian needs to be with the young adult who wants the alcohol. And they do make it very clear that they can stop serving you at any time. The exception to this is when sailing out of Australia and New Zealand, guests who are 18-21 don’t need parental consent to purchase or drink alcohol. 

You can bring alcohol onboard from ports on a Disney Cruise

Much like the initial boarding process, guests can bring up to 2 bottles of unopened wine or champagne or 6 beers from each port of call. And yes, you can drink it onboard! Again you must be either 21, or 18 if sailing out of the Australian ports. The only thing to note here is that while you are allowed to purchase liquor at ports of call, you cannot consume it onboard. You actually have to turn it in when you get back onboard and they’ll hold onto it until your journey is over. So feel free to buy duty free rum in the Caribbean. Just know you’ll have to save it until you get home. 

Your Stateroom Host can lend you a bottle opener if you don’t have one

Maybe you just forgot. Or maybe you didn’t even think of it! But if you’re bringing your own alcohol onboard, you’ll likely want a bottle opener or corkscrew for your adult beverages. If you forgot one though, that’s ok! Your stateroom host can lend you a bottle opener or corkscrew so you can enjoy your drinks in your room. 

You can order alcoholic drinks to be delivered to your room before your cruise

Don’t want to deal with bringing alcohol onboard? Though Disney Cruise Line doesn’t offer drink packages, they do offer the opportunity to order select drinks from their onboard gifts and amenities page before your cruise that will have your drinks waiting for you in your stateroom when you board. You can choose from beer, wine, champagne and even non-alcoholic champagne. And you can also get bottled water while you’re there too. 

Hopefully this post has helped clear up any confusion you may have had about alcohol on a Disney Cruise! 

Why the journey is the destination when it comes to Alaska cruises

They say getting there is half the fun. Usually, I disagree. When I travel, I want to get to where I’m going as quickly as possible to make the most of my time there. However, sailing Celebrity Edge on its maiden Alaska voyage from Seattle, I was all about the journey.

Staring up at the snow-capped mountains through the ship’s floor-to-ceiling windows and watching for wildlife in the icy waters below, I was mesmerized by the famed Last Frontier. And I realized that on an Alaska cruise , the journey is a destination.

Here’s why and what travelers should know about cruising Alaska.

Why is Alaska a popular cruise destination?

Alaska is a bucket-list destination for many people. Some may wait their whole lives for the trip. While Alaska Airlines and other carriers fly throughout America’s largest state , it isn’t as easy to navigate as the Lower 48.

Cruises allow travelers to visit multiple destinations without taking separate flights, renting a car or moving from hotel to hotel. My Edge itinerary included stops in Ketchikan, which is surrounded by the lush Tongass National Forest ; the state capital of Juneau, which is only accessible by air or sea; and Skagway, home of Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park . The ship also carefully navigated the stunning Endicott Arm fjord toward Dawes Glacier, a highlight of the trip.

The easy trip can also be more accessible for people with mobility issues and other disabilities. Like other cruise lines, Celebrity has a team dedicated to accessible cruising . Numerous guests on board my sailing used walkers, canes or wheelchairs. Plus, it’s just nice to be able to take in the dramatic coastlines from the comfort of a cozy cabin or lounge when it’s chilly outside.

Are cruises to Alaska worth it?

They can be. At last check, the lowest price on a seven-night Celebrity Edge Alaska Dawes Glacier sailing, roundtrip from Seattle, for the remainder of this summer is listed at $778 per person on the cruise line’s website, based on double occupancy in an inside stateroom. That does not include travel to or from Seattle nor any taxes or fees, which can balloon the bottom line on any cruise. Nor does it include promotional discounts, which are pretty much always available. After taxes and fees, that works to about $2,212 for two people or $1,106 per person. 

The cheapest seven-night Southbound Glacier sailing on the Edge’s sister ship, Celebrity Summit , is much less at $249 per person, based on double occupancy in an inside stateroom. It’s worth noting the Southbound voyage goes from Seward, Alaska, to Vancouver, British Columbia, not a round trip. Also the Summit is not an Edge-class ship , The Celebrity Edge is the first Edge class ship to sail Alaska; it was also the first ship in Celebrity’s most recent series, which also includes the new Celebrity Ascent . Edge-class ships were designed to bring guests closer than ever to their destinations, with their signature Magic Carpet cantilevered platform that extends beyond the ship’s edge and other features that bring the outside in. After taxes and fees, the Summit sailing adds up to about $1,231 for two people or about $615 a person.

Both are cheaper than flying between cities and staying at hotels for a week in Alaska, but they're also cheaper than other popular vacations. For example, seven nights at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort , a value resort at Walt Disney World , costs $955 for the room alone, including taxes and a summer promo deal. Adding seven days of park tickets, without park hopping, and the total becomes $2,195 for two people or about $1,098 per person, excluding food.

Meanwhile, cruises include all onboard meals – except optional specialty dining and alcohol. There are also a boatload of included activities, like nature talks, tai chi classes, guided arts and crafts, trivia, games and childcare. There’s live music available through the day and nightly stage shows. I sampled a little bit of everything, but for me, the best part of the ship was the views.

Inside Ascent: 3 takeaways from Celebrity Cruises' new ship

Do you see wildlife on an Alaskan cruise?

Yes. I saw whale spouts three times from the ship, though the whales didn’t breach above water. I also saw a handful of harbor seals and a dozen eagles from the ship and from shore. Bald eagles are so common in Alaska that a tour bus driver jokingly called them bald seagulls. There are 30,000 bald eagles in the state, according to the Alaska Department of Fish & Game. 

I kept an eye out for bears on an excursion to Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, which is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. I didn’t see any walking along the paved, wheelchair-accessible Nugget Falls Trail, but I did spot all sorts of spring buds and the most beautiful moss.

The ship’s onboard naturalist gave us a heads-up on what to look for and taught us about various species in presentations in the ship’s theater. She also broadcasted live on the ship’s TV channel and inside speakers while traveling through the Endicott Arm. However, her voice wasn’t carried on outside speakers to avoid potentially disturbing wildlife.

What is the best month to go on a cruise to Alaska?

The Alaska cruise season runs from late April to early October, though dates vary by cruise line. Guests who sail early or late in the season may find lower rates than during the height of the summer, but they may miss out on warmer weather.

It was in the 40s to 50s most days of my May sailing, and it rained on our Juneau day. The onboard naturalist warned that there is no bad weather in Alaska, only poor clothing choices.

How much should I budget for an Alaskan cruise?

You should pad your budget with several hundred extra dollars for excursions and dining off-ship. Both can be pricey but enriching. My Mendenhall Glacier excursion was just under $130, including transportation and an off-site Gold Creek Salmon Bake , with all-you-can-eat fresh salmon cooked over a wood-burning fire.  I’ve never had better fried fish than the local halibut at The Alaska Fish House in Ketchikan, and I will be dreaming of the sweet, plump red king crab at Tracy’s King Crab Shack in Juneau for years to come.  If you want freshly caught Alaska seafood, you’ll want to get it at port.

You may be able to spot whales from the cruise ship, but if you really want to go whale watching, salmon fishing, dog sledding, or get up close to glaciers, that’s generally going to require an excursion. Excursions offered through cruise lines tend to cost more than those booked independently, but booking through the cruise line can streamline payment and ensure that the ship won’t leave without you if the excursion runs late.

One port you can enjoy on the cheap is Skagway. You can explore several exhibits and historic buildings on your own, as part of Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. However many visitors splurge on a scenic train ride on the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway up to the Canadian border and back.

Is it worth getting a balcony on a cruise?

Yes and no. The views throughout Alaska are breathtaking, and being able to enjoy them from your cabin any time of day feels luxurious. I loved waking up to mountains, thick with trees, outside my window and scanning the waters for marinelife before bed.

Just over 80% of Celebrity Edge’s staterooms have a balcony. I had an Infinite Veranda , which is unique to Edge-class ships. Rather than a traditional balcony with a sliding glass door, Infinite Verandas incorporate what would be exterior balcony space into the interior of the cabin and have a window that slides halfway down the exterior wall with the push of a button. I loved how much bigger it made the cabin feel and appreciated the extra climate-controlled living space. It was still chilly during my early season sailing, so I rarely put the window down and think I would have enjoyed a non-balcony, oceanview room just as much.

Of course, if you book an inside cabin, you can still enjoy the scenery from public areas of any ship. The Celebrity Edge brings the outside in with tons of windows, including in the buffet restaurant, Oceanview Cafe, where I spotted my first whale spout. In the back of the ship, there’s a relaxing mixed-use space called Eden with three stories of windows that I found myself drawn to daily. The solarium, with its tall windows and rows of lounge chairs, also offered expansive views. 

Do I need a passport for an Alaskan cruise?

Maybe. For a closed-loop cruise that starts and ends in the same U.S. port, like the one I was on, all you need is proof of citizenship. 

“According to U.S. Customs & Border Protection, this includes an Enhanced Driver’s License, which is a state-issued driver’s license that provides proof of identity and U.S. citizenship; a government-issued birth certificate (issued by the Vital Records Department in the state where the person was born) or passport; and if 16 or older, a government-issued driver’s license or picture ID denoting photo, name, and date of birth,” according to Celebrity.

Of course, not all Alaska cruises are closed-loop cruises. Some start or end in Vancouver, Canada. There are also cruises on several smaller U.S.-flagged cruise lines like Alaska Dream Cruises and Uncruise Adventures , which may not require passports depending on the itinerary.

Can you see the Northern Lights on an Alaska cruise?

It’s possible, but because daylight hours are so long during the summer in Alaska, the best chance to see them would be on a cruise late in the season.

I woke up in the middle of the night a few times to look for Northern Light. I didn’t see any, but I heard passengers on a previous sailing spotted them. Then again, so did people all across the country during the solar storm earlier this month.

The reporter on this story received access from Celebrity Cruises. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of reviews.

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One of the US's busiest cruise ports can't keep up with America's love for vacations at sea — but an urgent new terminal will help meet the demand for giant cruise ships

• Port Canaveral announced new plans to build a seventh cruise terminal by 2026.
• It scrapped its initial expansion plan because it would've taken longer to build.
• This article is part of " Transforming Business: Infrastructure ," a series exploring the advancements reshaping US infrastructure.  

Florida — home to busy beaches, Disney World, and a cruise industry so successful that local ports simply can't keep up with demand.

The Sunshine State flexes seven cruise ports, three of which — Miami, Canaveral, and Everglades — are among the five busiest in the world.

The state may seem well stocked as far as cruise terminals go. But Port Canaveral is running out of space as demand for these vacation voyages continues to skyrocket.

In 2023 , the Florida port accommodated a record 6.8 million cruisers and 13 homeported ships, leading to an all-time-high revenue of $191 million — more than 80% of which came from its cruise operations.

In 2024, it expects to add another 500,000 passengers to that total.

The influx in demand has left Port Canaveral at "a point where we're starting to turn business away," John Murray, its CEO, said at a press conference earlier this month.

The proposed solution? Expand — and quickly. The port announced plans to build a seventh cruise terminal on its north side by 2026, scrapping its initial proposal for one farther south. The latter would've taken longer to build, but "we need it in two years," Murray said, adding: "Maybe sooner."

The proposed terminal would be at the port's "underutilized" North 8 berth. When complete, it could accommodate the world's largest cruise ships, including Royal Caribbean's new 1,198-foot-long, 9,950-person-capacity Icon of the Seas .

Murray said the project would be "self-funded." There's no word yet on the cost, but a spokesperson for Port Canaveral told Business Insider that the existing berth would make construction cheaper than that of previous cruise terminals. The most recent one, completed in 2020, cost $155 million.

Before unveiling these plans, Port Canaveral intended to build its next terminal in an area known as Bluepoints Marina, farther south. The project would've taken three to four years to complete — too long a timeline for Port Canaveral.

A new cruise terminal "has become more urgent and necessary now," Murray said.

Along with a seventh terminal, Port Canaveral plans to build a 3,000-car parking structure and improve the roads leading into and out of the parking lot.

Expanding parking on land is just as important as in the water: Cruise lines have been increasingly developing private islands and destinations in the Caribbean, often visited during three- and four-day cruises. Murray said these shorter sailings typically bring in more vehicular traffic than their five- to seven-day counterparts.

Wooing cruise lines operating on these itineraries could be especially important for Port Canaveral, which is farther north from the private Caribbean destinations than Miami's and Fort Lauderdale's popular ports.

Competition is stiff. In January, MSC Group announced that its cruise lines would move their operations to Miami. In late 2023, Disney Cruise Line unveiled a new terminal at Port Everglades.

"A place like Port Canaveral is continually thinking about retaining the business it has and, of course, capturing some of that business," Ross Klein, the founder of CruiseJunkie.com and a professor at Memorial University of Newfoundland, told BI.

But not everyone is excited

While an influx of travelers can be an economic windfall for nearby restaurants and hotels, not all locals are happy about the new cruise terminal.

The world's largest cruise ships can accommodate more than 7,000 guests. That's a lot of travelers — and traffic, which is a concern for Jamie Glasner, the owner of the Bluepoints Marina-based fishing charter Fin and Fly . (BI spoke with Glasner before Port Canaveral announced its terminal in the North 8 berth.)

"These cruise ships come in, and the traffic is backed up for miles," Glasner told BI, adding that other local business owners complained "about it all the time."

"The traffic is a nightmare. This is crazy," he said.

"It used to only take us 10 minutes to get home," Glasner said. "Now it's taking me an hour."

Cruise travelers accounted for roughly 840,000 cars at Port Canaveral last year, Murray said in late 2023. At the time, he said that updates such as a "pay-on-arrival" parking system and the increased use of facial recognition by US Customs and Border Protection helped improve the flow of traffic.

To lessen traffic stress, the port wants the state to widen the nearby freeway and replace the drawbridge connecting the north and south halves of Port Canaveral with a higher, fixed bridge. The latter often opens for passing ships, further jamming up the roads.

However, these proposals have yet to be included in the Florida Department of Transportation's budget, "so we will continue to make noise on that," Murray said during the announcement of the port's seventh cruise terminal. "We can't shut down operations at Port Canaveral because the state can't get the road infrastructure in a timely manner," he added.

But love it or hate it, the cruise industry continues to grow . And the sooner Port Canaveral can build a new terminal, the happier it, and cruise lines, will be.

"We're going to do what we have to do to get this up and running as quickly as possible," Murray told reporters.

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